This plan provides an overview of the statewide Delaware Sea Grant College Program and its top priorities in marine research, education, and public outreach for the five-year period, 2005–2010. The plan identifies the strategic marine issues of importance to the State of Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic region, and the nation.

The vision, mission and goals, values, and priorities of Delaware Sea Grant are highlighted in the plan, along with a discussion of the extensive processes that led to its formulation. The plan details five priority areas for research, education, and public outreach for Delaware Sea Grant in the five-year period — Ecosystems, Environmental Technologies and Engineering, Biotechnology, Marine Commerce and Transportation, and Marine Education, Literacy, and Outreach. Background on each area is included, along with expected outcomes, objectives, and performance benchmarks.

RESEARCH PRIORITIES 1. Ecosystems — Expand the scientific and policy basis critical to sound ecosystem-based management in the wise use, protection, and restoration of coastal waters, estuaries, and watersheds and their living marine resources. 2. Environmental Technologies and Engineering — Develop interactive observatories, sensors, autonomous samplers, and models for real-time, continuous, cost-effective monitoring, forecasting, and assessment. 3. Biotechnology — Catalyze the exploration, development, and use of marine biotechnologies to improve and protect the coastal ocean and human health and develop novel industrial processes and products based on the specific adaptations found in marine organisms. 4. Marine Commerce and Transportation — Increase the economic competitiveness and sustainability of businesses and industries dependent on the ocean and coast. 5. Marine Education, Literacy, and Outreach — Educate future environmental professionals/leaders, enhance marine literacy across all population groups, and provide science-based technical assistance to marine resource users, constituents, and stakeholders.