Blueprint for a Coastal Legacy: Connecticut Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2007-2013
Author: University of Connecticut, Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (CTSG)
Date: 2009-06-00
Type: Reports - Descriptive
Subjects: Nongovernmental Organizations,Conservation (Environment),Environmental Education,Marine Education,Water,Strategic Planning,Values,Sustainable Development,Marine Biology,Research,Outreach Programs,Professional Development,Consciousness Raising,Colleges

For nearly 20 years, the Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (CTSG) has worked to foster the wise use and conservation of coastal and marine resources of the Long Island Sound (LIS) estuary, as well as working regionally, nationally and globally. The strategy for success of any individual Sea Grant College Program must be consistent with the overall vision and direction of the National Sea Grant Program. It must also be tuned into the environmental, social and economic priorities and problems presented within the Program's specific venue. For CTSG this includes the State of Connecticut as well as the adjoining water bodies and the larger New York/New England Region. Reflecting this regional identity, the mission of CTSG mirrors that of the National Sea Grant College Program: &quot;to foster wise use and conservation of coastal and marine resources,&quot; which for CTSG is focused on the waters, shorelines and watersheds of Long Island Sound. In developing this strategic plan, the Program seeks to understand the need for and impact of its various programs and activities in this venue. It also seeks to effectively network and collaborate with other Sea Grant Programs, as well as government, university, NGOs and industry stakeholders in implementing these programs and activities. This document outlines CTSG's strategic plan for work to be undertaken during 2007-2013. This plan consists of several logically interrelated and coordinated components, and provides detailed information on the environmental and institutional context in which it operates. The plan also presents the organizational orientation of the program, which serves as the foundation guiding all its work, as defined by CTSG's vision, mission, and operational philosophy. Given resource constraints and the large number of marine and coastal issues facing Connecticut and Long Island Sound, CTSG has chosen to target its coordinated efforts in those areas in which the program has a clear comparative advantage. Three thematic areas in which CTSG has particular expertise and can make significant impact are identified. An institutional plan for CTSG is then presented consisting of an overall strategy goal and specific strategic goals, objectives and activities for each of the three thematic areas and functional program areas of integrated research, education, outreach and communication. Plans for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the overall strategic plan throughout the six-year period are also presented. Appended are: (1) Connecticut's Coastal and Marine Resources in Context: Opportunities and Challenges; (2) History and Current Status of the Connecticut Sea Grant Program; (3) Connecticut Sea Grant Core Values and Strategic Guiding Principles; (4) Goals, Objectives, and Benchmarks for CTSG Functional Areas; (5) Themes of Past CTSG and Current NOAA Research and Strategic Plans; (6) Groups Asked to Review and Comment on Strategic Plan Draft Document; and (7) Strategic Plan Authorship.