MIT SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM
Implementation Plan 2003-2007
[ Part One ] Part Two

Functional Goals

Functional Goal 1

To identify critical national, regional, and local issues, that are within our mission and to assist the best available talent to address those issues.

Goal 1.1
To be aware of the thematic priorities and trends of the NOAA and National Sea Grant College Program strategic thinking.

Milestones
Participate in National Sea Grant College Program and Sea Grant Association leadership and planning
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced knowledge of NOAA and National Sea Grant plans

Milestones
Interact with regional NOAA laboratories (e.g. NMFS, NWS) and track their activities and thematic priorities.
Expected Outcomes
Enhance understanding of NOAA needs.

Goal 1.2
To be aware of local, regional and national current and emerging issues related to our overarching mission namely the wise utilization of marine resources.

Milestones
Foster good working relationships with the Northeast Sea Grant Directors.
Create opportunities for researchers, advisory board members and advisory staff to share their knowledge of important marine issues with the MITSG leadership
Interact with local, regional and federal organizations, industry and scientific organizations to track their activities and thematic priorities.
Expected Outcomes
Enhance understanding of local, regional and national emerging needs

Goal 1.3
To be aware of local current and emerging issues and develop strategies to resolve them.

Milestones
Promote strong user community interactions with our advisory and research staff.
Expected Outcomes
Enhance knowledge and understanding of local issues and develop appropriate strategies to respond to those needs.

Goal 1.4
Ensure that our Strategic Plan reflects our National, Regional and Local priorities

Milestones
Review our Strategic Plan on an annual basis to ensure that it is up to date.
Expected Outcomes
An up to date Strategic Plan needed to compete in the highly demanding market in which we operate.

Goal 1.5
Recruit and direct the best talent toward identified issues

Milestones
Active marketing of MITSG priorities and goals.
Use of MITSG seed funds to help interested individuals carry out preliminary work on high priority issues.
Expected Outcomes
Enhance awareness of MITSG program priorities among the university communities of the Commonwealth.

* * *

Functional Goal 2

Solve critical national, regional, and local issues through partnerships.

Goal 2.1
Develop teams of researchers needed to address multidisciplinary problems.

Milestones
Once a problem is identified assist in the formation of the appropriate research team and infrastructure needed to solve multidisciplinary problems.
Expected Outcomes
Creation of appropriate teams of researchers to address significant problems.

Goal 2.2
Develop and nurture partnerships to allow MITSG to address critical local, regional and national needs.

Milestones
Identify critical partners locally, regionally and nationally to help MITSG carryout its mission and establish close ties with them.
Expected Outcomes
Enhances the chances of success of MITSG in accomplishing its strategic goals.

Goal 2.3
Develop the necessary infrastructure to make MITSG an attractive entity with which to partner.

Milestones
Develop educational programs that make MITSG an attractive partner in large projects funded by such entities as NSF.
Develop assets (field instruments) and capabilities (field operations) and computer networks that make MITSG a very attractive partner.
Develop a strong advisory and industrial network.
Expected Outcomes
Approaching future partnerships from a position of strength.

* * *

Functional Goal 3

Diversify Funding basis.

Goal 3.1
Encourage MITSG researchers to raise additional funds to further our strategic goals.

Milestones
Use MIT funds to start research in high priority areas with the requirement that researchers will raise additional funds.
Develop infrastructure that makes MITSG an attractive place for Principal Investigators to do their research
Expected Outcomes
Increase our funding base to further our strategic goals.

Goal 3.2
Work with National Sea Grant Office, other funding organizations, and industry to raise additional funds to further our strategic goals.

Milestones
The Research and Advisory leadership of MITSG is responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities with the potential of providing additional funds to further our strategic objectives.
Continue to collaborate with the Theme Teams organized by Sea Grant Association to raise additional funds for MITSG and parts of the Sea Grant network.
Expected Outcomes
Increase our funding base to further our strategic goals.

* * *

Functional Goal 4

Improve public awareness of MIT Sea Grant College Program.

Goal 4.1
Maximize the impact of our projects on the intended audience.

Milestones
Employ the most effective techniques to convey the results of our research and outreach efforts, making full use of the Internet and current and emerging methods for data and technology transfer.
Expected Outcomes
Increased awareness of MIT Sea Grant’s work.

Goal 4.2
Develop media partnerships to expand the normal reach of Sea Grant products.

Milestones
Utilize the press, both print and electronic, to disseminate MIT Sea Grant results, capitalizing on media trends as appropriate.
Expected Outcomes
Reach a broad audience cost-effectively.

Goal 4.3
Partner with other Sea Grant programs and research organizations to build public awareness of the Sea Grant network.

Milestones
Work with other programs to build regional themes to reveal the broad impact of Sea Grant research and outreach.
Team with organizations having related missions in the development of informational products aimed at public audiences.

Expected Outcomes
Generating a “bigger” story will broaden the impact through follow-on articles and mass media coverage.

* * *

Functional Goal 5

Facilitate professional growth for MITSG personnel.

Goal 5.1
Encourage and support interactions within the Sea Grant network.

Milestones
Achieve adequate participation of program personnel in regional and national Sea Grant meetings, workshops and conferences.
Expected Outcomes
Improved understanding of MITSG personnel of Sea Grant, its methods, and goals.

Goal 5.2
Encourage and support professional development in primary and related fields.

Milestones
Support attendance and participation in professional and scientific meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Facilitate professional development through training, courses and the pursuit of advanced degrees.
Exploit MIT’s substantial opportunities for professional development.
Expected Outcomes
Increased staff capabilities and professionalism.

Goal 5.3
Promote qualified individuals within the program.

Milestones
Work with each MITSG staff member to identify a path for professional growth through training and education aimed at meeting the needs of the program and of the individual.
Expected Outcomes
Clear paths for growth motivate staff and strengthen the program.

* * *

Functional Goal 6

Create and sustain a strong educational program addressing all of our constituents.

Goal 6.1
Identify problems and opportunities related to marine-related education

Milestones
Meet with K-12, university, and informal educators to discuss needs and options for MITSG action.
Keep abreast of changing educational trends and standards.

Expected Outcomes
Responsiveness to emerging opportunities.

Goal 6.2
Utilize external funding sources to leverage Sea Grant’s education dollars.

Milestones
Monitor the availability of NSF, DOE, state, and foundation programs for supporting education.
Expected Outcomes
The development of more and stronger offerings.

Goal 6.3
Build educational partnerships to respond to multidisciplinary opportunities.

Milestones
Participate in educational meeting, workshops, and conferences. Build relationships with other local, regional, and national resources to generate a compelling and capable team able to meet critical educational needs.
Expected Outcomes
The development of educational programs that require expertise broader than our internal capabilities.

MIT Sea Grant Implementation Plan:
Strategic Goals

The MIT implementation plans build upon the program goals as set out in our Strategic Plan. We have very specific ideas as to what each of these strategic foci involves in terms of research hypotheses, plan details, make-up of research team, and project monitoring and reporting. Clearly the efficacy of the implementation planning is highly dependent on the content and quality of the individual proposals we receive and subject to peer review.

Introduction:
The Strategic Plan as presented is intended to be both broad enough to allow for “extraordinary “approaches to issues yet must include details to establish the intended focus. Our strategic Plan calls for Program commitment to six clear strategic goals of both regional and national importance. Within each we have noted research and technical challenges that serve to define the thrust of each of the goals.

Overall program direction and content, clearly spelled out in the Strategic Plan, is maintained by our annual solicitation for new research and education proposals. This annual solicitation begins with a joint meeting every January with the two advisory bodies we employ for guidance and oversight ­ the Faculty Committee and the State/Industry Council. The program direction and content are reviewed and challenged as to their currency and achievements. Any change in direction or suggestion to alter program content is debated at length and eventually judged vis-à-vis the current Strategic Plan. More importantly the quality of recent proposed and funded research is reviewed to assess its support of our program goals.

The initial call for proposals is for preliminary proposals that are then reviewed by these two advisory bodies in terms of proposal quality, PI expertise and conformance to our strategic planning. Those preliminary proposals that are invited to submit formal proposals are subjected to strict peer review ­ this review phase is intended to establish the scientific credibility of the proposed work. The panel review we hold in October of each year is intended to provide guidance to the Director for inclusion in our annual Omnibus Proposal. This final step is strictly a review of scientific merit and not a gate regarding Strategic Plan conformity.

Implementation Planning Foundation — There are a number of program elements that help in implementing our plans.

Faculty Committee and State/Industry Council ­ With the three annual meetings we provide review and encourage suggestions to improve on-going activities as well as planned goals.

Marine Center Concept ­ The history of our Focused Research/ Marine Center approach to major issues and challenges has often lead to quite specific research and outreach projects.

Northeast Regional & Other Collaborations ­ With our close associations with the other Programs in the Northeast we have been able to participate in significant efforts.

University Connections ­ We enjoy strong and active connections with the major academic institutions in Massachusetts.

Industry Liaison Program (ILP) ­ The ILP at MIT is a university-based connection to industry on a global basis. Our association with ILP allows us to evaluate the commercial importance of our research. This is a very powerful relationship, affording the Program a unique ability to quickly assess the value of research to the Department of Commerce and, of course, to the Nation.

Office of Naval Research (ONR) & Other Collaborations ­ Because of the nature of much of our Sea Grant supported research and the strong ties MIT, particularly the Ocean Engineering Department, has with the U.S. Navy and others, our additional support has been both strong and challenging.

Our Collegium & Other Collegial Associations ­ Our current research and education agendas have benefited from earlier interest expressed through Collegium symposia and workshops. This has proved to be the inherent value of a collegial association that periodically gathers the research teams, interested and informed colleagues, and industry representatives to present, discuss, and envision what should happen next.

Acoustic communication technology:

MIT Sea Grant recognizes considerable technical opportunity in the area of ocean acoustics for communication and navigation. Signal processing methods that enable reliable communications in the presence of acoustic channel distortion should focus on optimal exploitation of limited communication resources (bandwidth and energy). Research areas of interest include adaptive modulation/detection, efficient coding, array processing, array processing, and interference suppression in high-rate links and communication networks. Data compression methods that address sonar, seismic, and video signals are of interest. Maximal compression ratios, together with reliability and power consumption trade offs must be addressed in the context of underwater sensing and imaging systems’ requirements.

Implementation: We have added a considerable level of expertise to our research management that has strong collegial ties to other leading researchers and academicians in the underwater acoustics field. The Ocean Engineering department at MIT has an acoustics laboratory that together with MIT faculty has an established reputation in this field. We intend to stress the importance of data and control information to support the overall goals of the ocean sciences community. Our own activities developed around the use of robotic systems for ocean exploration and marine measurements further guarantees that this need for acoustic communications stays high on our agenda and is recognized as such by our constituencies.

Distributed networks and communication protocols:

We encourage research that improves access to and enables flexible use of distributed instruments in coastal and deep ocean observatories. Research areas of interest include fundamental networking concepts that will provide the basis for optimal resource allocation in the underwater environments, as well as design network protocols that specifically address application to ocean observation systems.

Implementation: Implicit in the use of acoustics for communicating underwater is the additional need to be able to network devices for broad synoptic applications. We have held, and intend to continue in this vein, a series of symposia and workshops to report on progress and to highlight necessary advances in this related field. As results continue to materialize from our current research we ask for critique and collaboration from the experts in this area.

Ease of remote data processing, archiving and distribution:

As ocean and marine research becomes more synoptic and spatially expansive the ability to easily access and visualize data and employ different modeling systems (such as those representing physical, biological, chemical and acoustical phenomena) also becomes more important. This will assist in better oceanic phenomena prediction and improved assessment of natural and anthropogenic effects. Future research in this area includes dynamic data driven simulations combined with dynamic adaptive sampling methodologies and real-time data driven forecast systems in a distributed computing environment.

Implementation: We were fortunate in recent years to have received a proposal for a new Marine Center based on the concept of high-level integration of data sets, and complex computation algorithms­ a program called Poseidon ­ that has resulted in significant support from outside of Sea Grant. This program has opened up considerable interest in high level integration of spatially extensive, temporally fine and multi-disciplined ocean phenomena. This interest has a serendipitous effect in that it pushes on the communication capabilities which in turn open up further applications of the networking approach to research structures.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

Within the next two years we expect to have accomplished the planned for results of a recent and programmatically essential Marine Center activity ­ Distributed Observatories for the Coastal Environment. This program now in its final third will provide the understanding and necessary networking infrastructure for an integrated coastal system in Massachusetts Bay. We will have established the basic system capabilities and will have identified the necessary research challenges for highly synoptic, multi-disciplined exploration of complex marine phenomena. This will be adequately documented and reviewed via our on-going symposia and workshops, and by way of the publications and web site. Our annual solicitation for new research, education and outreach efforts will reflect this interest and encourage proposal activities. We expect this to begin to generate new work in our next proposal cycle.

In the Fall of 2003 we will schedule symposia/workshops to present the status and research accomplishments of the two projects concerned with communication technologies and protocols.

A recent (our sixth) Focused Research/Marine Center, “Poseidon: A Coastal Zone Management System via the World Wide Web,” initiated work in March of 1998. This project is a consequence of the high availability of raw ocean data, the various modeling approaches one can apply to large, multi-parameter data sets, and extensive uses such data-derived knowledge make possible (weather forecasting, fisheries management, environmental impacts, etc.). Completion is scheduled for February of 2004.

In the Spring of 2004 we will schedule a symposium on integrated ocean monitoring and management. This will serve to stimulate interest in this research area and will solicit competitive proposals for both communication technology and network protocols, and for as yet untried applications.

2. Exploiting marine animal behavior and ocean phenomena.

Cetacean sonar locating and communication:

Much can be learned from continued in-depth study of the sonar capabilities of certain marine life. The ability to locate prey and other creatures of the same species, as well as avoid obstacles in less than ideal conditions via sonar locating and interpretation is of great interest and application for ocean instrumentation and system concept.

Implementation: This area has also benefited from exposure to what the current state of capability and needs are, and to review and suggested technical research might be able to accomplish. We have recently held a workshop to discuss this and associated issues and in doing so have established an interest group that will maintain an involvement and oversight to ensure focus and progress.

Biomimesis-Learning from nature:

During the last ten years we have supported research in the application of biomimesis ­ a process by which we design systems using the principles employed by living organisms. This research track benefited greatly from the design and evaluation of a scale model of fish noted for outstanding speed (the tuna) and maneuverability (the pike). New fluid mechanisms were discovered, governing the sensing and control of unsteady flows to achieve very high performance for marine craft. We are committed of studying the engineering aspects of biomimetics because this program will allow us to engineer AUV-type platforms with fish-like attributes and will help us further understand basic issues related to fisheries.

Implementation: The progress made in underwater robotics coupled with on-going studies of marine animal performance and behaviors has generated new interest in materials, surface sensors and modeling of fish and advanced robotic devices.

Energy from the natural marine environment:

Existing renewable sources of energy, such as windmills and solar power, provide energy with minimal impact to the environment. Many marine sources, such as current, tides and waves, can serve equally well as useful energy sources. Future research in this area includes studying the engineering aspects of extracting energy from these marine energy sources, and supporting their application.

Implementation: We have opened this topic with the understanding that it represents a significant reach for our Program but believe that as the research we are involved with and the applications of advanced instrumentation these relatively lofty goals could justify investigation. We intend to develop the collegial links necessary to properly assess progress in this area. The raging debate over plans to place large wind farms in Massachusetts waters has heightened the importance of this topic. Proposals to explore technical issues related to such plans will receive our careful consideration.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

We have recently encouraged the study of marine animals for their ability to use sound in communication and self-location. This was done by way of collaborations on workshops addressing this issue. We have also encouraged, and through our annual competition have begun a program to expand on the robotic technology that will address the use of sophisticated electronic systems to simulate fish movement and to reduce the resultant drag on manmade underwater devices e.g. autonomous underwater vehicles, towed bodies, submarines, etc. This work is at a point where significant results can be presented such that further research plans can be formulated. This will lead to the collaborative research needed to achieve the specific goals set forth in our planning documents.

Our eighth and most recent Focused Research project began in March of 2001. “Biomimetic Rigid-Hull Vehicle with Flapping Foils for Enhanced Agility in the Surf Zone and Cluttered Environments” was submitted by Professor Michael Triantafyllou of the Ocean Engineering Department at MIT with Professor Dick Yue, also of the Ocean Engineering Department as the Co-principal Investigator. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a new class of rigid-hull autonomous underwater vehicles, best adapted to environments that require continuous maneuvering. This project will be completed in February 2007.

Having completed the third year of this six-year project in February of 2004 we will schedule a workshop for the Fall of 2004. This workshop will also be coupled to a symposium to review the results of the drag reduction research currently underway. The results of this activity will be reflected in new interest in robotic technology and integration of micro-miniature technologies increased performance of underwater vehicles.

3. Supporting the development of critical technologies needed by the ocean research, educational, and commercial communities.

The next generation of AUVs-enhancing capability through improved dexterity and perception:

Exploiting and working in the ocean remains a priority for the program. To fulfill this ambition, our challenge begins with designing the next generation of autonomous underwater vehicles. Such novel AUV incarnations will include crafts capable of hovering, vehicles that crawl and biomimetic creatures. Expanding the capabilities of these robots requires developing complementary sensing modalities and the required sensor technology, such as chemical and optical sensors, to achieve new mission objectives.

Implementation: We will continue to evolve the current AUV technology via on-going projects that utilize such vehicles. Many of the projects today involve instrumentation that is placed on an AUV as a demonstration of the technologies intended attributes.

Navigation and control theory and adaptive behavior:

As the range and mission duration of autonomous platforms increase, the requirements of robust control and precise navigation are paramount for successful deployments. We have encouraged recent research efforts in new navigation algorithms that incorporate feature-based learning for an AUV to meet this challenge. Advanced, modeling and control concepts are the crux of developing theory that will lead to robots making intelligent decisions on their own while operating in familiar or unknown environments. This research strategy emphasizes the need to further hone the applications of artificial intelligence in underwater robotic systems.

Implementation: Extend the theoretical and land experiments to underwater vehicle experiments. Start with a single vehicle to prove robustness of navigation algorithm. Extend to multiple vehicles and study various navigation and adaptive behaviors.

Turbulence control:

Understanding turbulence is one of the great on going problems in classical physics and a continuing grand challenge in hydrodynamics. Suppressing turbulence is key to solving a number of important engineering problems including frictional drag reduction in ships, elimination of noise in submarines, enhancement of acoustic communication between underwater vehicles, and efficient maneuverability of all types of vehicles. A particularly attractive approach that takes advantage of the ocean water’s electric conductivity is the use of electromagnetic excitation. Preliminary simulation and experimental work has shown a great promise in this technique but systematic work is required to develop suitable applications for the diverse applications of marine hydrodynamics.

Implementation: We will continue to develop our flat plate experiments to prove feasibility for frictional drag reduction and flow control for underwater acoustic communication. Experiments are being conducted at the MIT Propeller Tunnel, WPI Experimental facilities and theoretical studies are being conducted in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Brown. Our industrial partner is General Atomics.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

In the next two years the current research into these technologies will have been completed. This includes research into both platform innovations for increased performance with improvements in energy efficiencies as well as the integration of advanced sensors e.g. a mass spectrometer for applications on an AUV. Symposia and workshops are being planned for the next two years to present this information in detail. This will serve to encourage new and challenging research into these areas.

Our new AUV platform is a briefcase size hovering craft. In the next two years we intend to complete a prototype vehicle and test it to prove feasibility. Design review meetings with our various sponsors and industrial partners will take place. Experiments using the Hovering AUV payload, a low power laser will take place to demonstrate its usefulness as a data acquisition device. The intended application is home land security. Longer range plan involve building a larger Hovering AUV with a manipulator to prove that AUVs can perform simple mechanical tasks such as opening, closing and replacing a valve. Possible applications for the later include deep water oil and gas production.

This summer we scheduled single vehicle experiments to test and evaluate our feature based navigation algorithms. The results will be presented in one of the upcoming technical conferences. Preliminary tests of multiple vehicles will be conducted to integrate navigation, acoustic communications and adaptive behaviors. The immediate tests will be conducted in a protected environment, the Medford Lake, but the experiments scheduled for 2004 will conducted in the Mediterranean Sea.

In the next two years we plan to complete our basic tests of electromagnetic turbulence suppression. These are flat plate experiments primarily conducted at the MIT Propeller Tunnel. The results involve detailed point measurements to study the flow, and force measurements to determine the overall effectiveness of the concept and characterize our actuator. These results will be discussed in our semiannual review meetings before colleagues and industry. In parallel our preliminary results in turbulence suppression for acoustic communication will be presented and evaluated.

4. Conducting research addressing fisheries, aquaculture, and water quality.

Address complex issues related to fisheries:

MIT Sea Grant is committed to achieving and maintaining sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture through improved engineering of fishing systems, assessments of the economic and social impacts of regulations, increasing our understanding of the ecological significance of fishing and aquaculture, and developing better tools for determining the abundance and behavior of commercially important stocks. We are encouraging research that helps develop a comprehensive program for the successful integration of a commercial aquaculture industry in the Northeast.

Implementation: Our advisory activities are continuing to investigate the issues surrounding the trend in wild fisheries and in aquaculture opportunities in the Gulf of Maine. We have also funded many of our collaborating institutions to pursue aquaculture in both seaweed farming and in shellfish farming. The University of Massachusetts has been very successful in developing an understanding of the science of fish processing and an awareness of the commercial opportunities associated with relatively low value fish species. Within our MAS Centers there have been numerous projects on fishing gear, bycatch reduction, social impacts analysis, habitat impacts, improved fishery-dependent data gathering. We have been successful in tapping external funding for these initiatives. We continue to support initiatives in the area of open-ocean aquaculture through collaborate efforts using external funding.

Investigate passive acoustics in wild fisheries research:

The application of passive acoustics to fisheries is an example of an emerging research opportunity that also reflects the more general need for ocean observatories. Passive acoustics offers a unique tool not only to study fish, but also to simultaneously monitor sources of noise pollution and study the impact of man’s activities on marine communities. Such research should also aid in the management of commercially exploited species, improving techniques for identifying Essential Fish Habitat, and providing non-invasive methods for stock assessment.

Implementation: An international workshop on this topic was held in April to explore this topic. Through this process we have recognized the potential of the field and the numerous aspects of fisheries science that can be addressed through these non-invasive techniques. A complete proceedings of the workshop has been produced ands a descriptive brochure developed to introduce the topic as part of the networks Digital Oceans theme team. A CFER research project is currently underway using external funding, and a collaborative pre-proposal has been invited for consideration under this year’s RFP.

Study coastal water quality and its impact on marine resource:

The anthropogenic influences on harbors and coastal waters have been critical theme both for Sea Grant programs in Massachusetts and throughout the nation. We are maintaining our focus on three important issues: contaminated sediments, non-point source pollution, and marine accident prevention. We will be encouraging scientific, engineering and policy research as it relates to responsible use of the coastal environment.

Implementation: There still remain questions associated with the most effective means of contaminated sediment disposition. In addition, the CSO issue still requires substantially more investigation. Non-point source discharges continue to be important sources of coastal pollution. Development of models that can predict changes resulting from different management schemes are of particular interest. A series of Collegium sponsored events will be developed to present the research and outreach results from the recently completed Boston Harbor projects.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

Fisheries research and technology transfer to industry remain the focus of our Center for Fisheries Engineering Research. Out broad project base in this area is supported largely by external funding and progress will continue supported by effective outreach to ensure impacts. The sweeping changes in commercial fisheries that can be anticipated with the implementation of groundfish Amendment 13 need to be anticipated so we have solutions to suit those conditions.

Passive acoustics has been identified as a high-priority topic for our current and foreseeable RFPs. Our sense is that this field is going to blossom with our leadership and the applications for the technology exist on all coasts and over the full range of habitats. Through partnering and by nurturing collegial communications among passive acoustic practitioners we will accelerate advancements and useful progress in our understanding of fisheries.

The problems posed by the accumulated sediments are not completely solved yet our work in assessing various disposal options for contaminated dredged materials has influenced harbor navigation projects well beyond the project’s study area of Boston Harbor. Web will monitor activities to identify outreach needs and to determine if there are key research opportunities. Our Center for Coastal Resources will remain connected to this constituency.

5. Developing food, pharmaceutical, and other commercial products based on marine natural organisms.

Foster research in biotechnology and molecular genetics of plants, animals and microorganisms:

Such research offers potential use in producing food, pharmaceuticals and chemical products (e.g. emulsifiers for remediation and adhesives) mechanisms of growth and reproductive regulation and control; disease diagnosis and control; seafood safety.

Implementation: The commercial applications of the research we have funded at the University of Massachusetts in food technology have been established to the point that a commercial entity has already come into being. There is great interest in their technology on a worldwide basis. This will be given its proper showcase to serve as an example of what is possible from well-thought, dedicated research by very qualified researchers.

Research into marine biology and genetically engineered products:

We are supporting research that can lead to improved bioremediation strategies and better characterization of contaminant fates in coastal ecosystems. Biosensors for marine applications could address topics such as monitoring environmental quality parameters of marine ecosystem; in situ sensing for aquaculture quality control and optimization; monitoring and control of biochemical engineering processes; developing new approaches to biosensors using marine biomaterials; process control for the production of natural materials; and antibody-based approaches to biosensing.

Implementation: The University of Massachusetts/Boston has conducted research recently with the Tufts School of Medicine to apply the use of bioassays in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and other established laboratory techniques to identify readily measured indicators of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the marine environment. A second researcher at UMASS/Boston, Professor William Robinson, has completed as a two-year research into the utility of Histidine-rich Glycoprotein (HRG) as a biomarker for metal exposure and toxicity.

Examining viruses of marine cyanobacteria as agents for marine biotechnology:

Marine photosynthetic cyanobacteria are at the base of the oceanic food base, and are of great importance in global carbon energy cycles. By characterizing the laboratory growth and molecular biology of viruses of these cyanobacteria, researchers hope to answer important questions about the physiology and biochemistry of their marine cyanobacterial hosts. It is likely that marine viruses will be critical in developing biotechnology tools for use in environmental engineering, marine microbiology, and related biotechnology applications. They also may be the source of novel enzymes and proteins of more general use in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Sea Grant is supporting research to develop the biotechnological aspects of the unique organisms.

Implementation: We have invested seed funding to encourage marine biologists to attend a major conference in the field to be held in the summer of 2003 at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). The conference at WHOI is organized by molecular biologists. We hope that this interaction will promote the cross fertilization of the two fields.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

The research conducted by the University of Massachusetts at their Gloucester field station has received considerable commercial interest. It deserves a further consideration as the genesis for more research into similar opportunities with other marine animals to determine the commercial potential for species that don’t currently have a high demand but are considered plentiful in the EEZ. We will provide the exposure necessary to stimulate this interest by way of symposia and workshops where the UMASS researchers and others can contribute. This will be scheduled to occur during the next two years.

Over the past four years the MIT Sea Grant Program has been an active sponsor and participant in research oriented towards identifying, characterizing transport, and pointing the direction towards human behavior and municipal policy to protect against marine pathogens. This research area has also been the focus on genetically altered marine organisms and the understanding of commercial versus environmental impact compromise. After this period of intense and highly qualified activity a series of symposia is warranted to both present the current level of information and, more importantly, to generate the kind of interest necessary to answer still-open questions. We will begin the process by issuing a summary of what we have supported during the later half of this year (2003) with an initial symposium scheduled for spring 2004. We expect this to lead to renewed activity in the area of research.

In early September the Director will meet with the organizers of the marine cyanobacteria conference and the marine biologists attending the conference to determine the usefulness of the experience and the suitability of cultivating this field further. Industrial applications and sponsorship will also be investigated.

6. Educating our citizenry in the opportunities and challenges associated with continued expansion into the marine realm.

Promote grade school and high school activities to foster marine awareness:

We are drawing on the success of our recent projects in this area and encouraging organizations and individuals to join us in our efforts. This includes our program funded by the National Science Foundation, which gives teachers and students hands-on opportunities in real research, and Adopt-A-Boat, which partners K-12 classrooms throughout New England with fishermen.

Implementation: Our current K-12 offerings will continue and be added to as Sea Grant and external funding allows. Our Adopt-a-Boat program has evolved into a versatile and high-impact program that is poised to be expanded nationally.

Forge links with local educational institutions for collegial efforts:

We have experienced enthusiastic response from the high schools and educational programs involved in our outreach and education efforts. The willingness by these institutions to support the involvement of the teachers suggests a clear awareness of the need to incorporate hands-on participation by young people in programs that facilitate learning. Two very successful programs in this area include public education with K-12 classes in hands-on aquaculture programs and with middle and high school students in marine robotics. The latter program is in part supported by the Office of Naval Research.

Implementation: Massachusetts is the Bay State and has a significant coastal population. The use of coastal and ocean issues to provide experiential education opportunities to our students has proven very effective. Educators are recognizing us as a resource in improving their classroom offerings. We view the Web as a powerful tool to meet this demand and to expand out impact in this area. A recent addition in our K-12 curriculum introduces students to marine robotics to increase their awareness of career opportunities in marine science and engineering.

Effectively communicate our research to the public:

Our goal is to effectively and thoughtfully translate science and communicate our research to the public, educators and students, and researchers. We will accomplish this through workshops, symposia, exhibits, print and electronic media, as well as via novel opportunities as these arise.

Implementation: Through the various Program elements we will continue to report to the public and in particular to the pertinent institutions the progress we, and more importantly the teachers and students have made in acquiring the educational experiences necessary to be adequately informed. A plan for effective results dissemination is a requirement of all MIT Sea grant funded projects. This process is supported by our outreach and communications staff, who monitor project progress and pro-actively develop materials for public education and transfer to targeted user groups.

Anticipated Milestones & Results:

We have already completed teaching our first set of teachers and launched our first middle school project in marine robotics. Our next training is scheduled for this June and it involves teachers from a high school with a significant minority student population. During the June training assistance in curriculum development will also be provided. The next training is scheduled for July and it involves high school teachers recruited by the Rhode Island Sea Grant director. This will serve as a prototype for making the idea national. In the fall we plan to experiment the same subject in the Museum of Science in Boston to experiment with a forum of instruction. Presentation of our findings will be published in the appropriate journals and our web site.

Our Adopt-a-Boat program is flourishing with rapid growth and a current level of 45 partnerships within the region. We will continue to expand it and seek funding mechanisms for its sustainability. Other K-12 projects lead by our Education Coordinator will be encouraged and we will secure funds for their growth. The response we have had from K-12 educators on our current offerings has been encouraging and indicative of the need for these programs within the sector.

Two-if-by-Sea and our web pages are our primary means of public outreach. These will continue and be complimented by other offerings and the use of the press. Through our communications staff, we maintain liaison with key reporters and media outlet and have had good success in getting our stories picked up for broad dissemination.