Objectives WHOI Sea Grant's theme in Outreach, Education, and Human Resources provides a mechanism by which research results and the excitement of scientific discovery can be shared with diverse audiences. Within these portfolios there are major strategic initiatives in advanced technology for commercial products, seafood production, coastal economic development, coastal ecosystem processes, public safety, technology transfer, and public outreach. Such tools include workshops, publications, public exhibits and posters, lectures, media contacts, special events, radio programming, materials for educators, and the Internet. These partnerships are designed to enhance our ability to create an informed and knowledgeable public. Since 1990 the WHOI Sea Grant program has worked to disseminate the latest oceanographic and coastal marine scientific discoveries to a variety of audiences.
Publications also remain an important and effective communications tool.
Clearly, outreach is very effective through direct contact, so WHOI Sea Grant staff members maintain memberships on various boards, committees, and organizations, and spend as much time in the field and interacting with our user groups as possible. Equally as important as disseminating information is staying current on the latest technologies and methodologies that relate to staff areas of expertise. This is accomplished through professional development opportunities and training sessions for all staff members. These lectures are a mainstay in the community and are well attended by educators, students, locals, and scientists interested in current discoveries made by Woods Hole researchers. Nor'easter magazine, a joint publication of the six northeast Sea Grant programs, was published from 1989-1999, to keep its readers up to date on Sea Grant sponsored research.