The Delaware Sea Grant College Program aims to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources in order to create a sustainable economy and environment. The program seeks to achieve this by funding research and supporting education that addresses critical coastal and marine issues, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.
The grant program solicits research proposals for projects focusing on practical and meaningful outcomes that address coastal challenges and opportunities in Delaware. It encourages proposals across a broad range of disciplines that align with the Delaware Sea Grant Strategic Plan. Key research needs identified include climate change adaptation, exploration of the blue economy, and ecosystem restoration. Special emphasis is placed on projects exploring the effects of ocean renewable energy, like offshore wind, on coastal ecosystems and communities, and research aimed at the sustainable management of horseshoe crabs, considering both their ecological value and their commercial and biomedical importance. Successful proposals will feature collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches with potential benefits for a wide range of stakeholders.