ANNUAL REPORT IMPACTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016-2017

Seafood Production and Consumption

Impact A/E-1

Connecticut Sea Grant contributes to formal adoption of ecosystem approach to fisheries management by the Philippines

RELEVANCE: Coastal communities of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region are characterized by heavy dependence on fisheries resources and high exposure to climate impacts. A widely accepted solution to this dilemma is to integrate fisheries management into an “ecosystem approach”, balancing conservation, sustainable use, and fair allocation of benefits derived from natural resources. An ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) helps address the uncertainty of climate and ocean change because the risk assessment approach can be extended to qualitatively and transparently evaluate how to prioritize and address associated issues and threats.RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant’s fisheries specialist collaborated with NOAA, UN FAO and numerous partners to train mid-level fishery managers from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Asia-Pacific countries on the EAFM method, with support from US AID. EAFM shifts from target species-focused management to decision-making that balances environmental, human and social well-being within governance frameworks. Training was also provided to senior fishery managers and government officials to improve their understanding and ability to initiate EAFM. RESULTS: In 2016, the Philippines became the first Asia-Pacific country to formally institutionalize the application of EAFM. Through Fisheries Office Order #164 Series of 2016, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources adopted Mainstreaming Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (M-EAFM) as its guiding framework, stating that “by 2020, all programs of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be developed and implemented following the principles of EAFM, and all Bureau activities will be consistent with the EAFM Plan adopted by all stakeholders in their respective fisheries management area.” EAFM Plans must also complement integrated coastal management efforts.RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant’s long-term collaboration with NOAA and international partners on tool development and training to mainstream the use of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) in the Asia-Pacific region, funded by US AID, resulted in the first formal adoption of Mainstreaming EAFM by the Filipino Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as its guiding framework.

Partners: NOAA Pacific Island Fisheries Science Ctr, UN FAO, US AID

Impact A/E-1

Connecticut Sea Grant catalyzes response to urgent request for commercial fishing safety and survival refresher training

RELEVANCE: In March 2016, three Connecticut commercial fishermen abandoned ship due to fire. Unable to reach survival suits, the crew boarded a life raft and watched the vessel quickly sink. Connecticut Sea Grant with the Coast Guard had historically offered safety training, but deferred to private trainers in 2008. After the fire, a fisherman asked Sea Grant to coordinate refresher training since the private business had not been an option since 2014.

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RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant contacted the Coast Guard and groups offering safety training regionally to see what was feasible on short notice, and provided funding along with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. Coast Guard F/V examiners in CT and NY agreed to help, and former fishermen-turned-trainers with the Fishing Partnership Support Services (MA) offered their services. In less than a month, a one-day safety and survival training for commercial fishermen and a two-day drill conductor certification training were held. RESULTS: Forty-nine commercial fishermen refreshed their skills in fire suppression, damage control, Mayday calls, donning immersion suits, and deploying life rafts, emergency radio beacons and signal flares. A joint training exercise between Coast Guard Station New London (CT) and Coast Guard Station Atlantic City (NJ) enabled fishermen to watch a helicopter in-water rescue and hoist demonstration. Twenty-four fishermen returned for a second day to become certified Drill Conductors, to comply with Coast Guard regulations related to mandatory monthly drills on vessels. Station bills for various drills were developed and practiced dockside. RECAP: Following the loss of a commercial fishing vessel to fire, Connecticut Sea Grant catalyzed safety and survival / drill conductor training opportunities for 49 commercial fishermen in partnership with the US Coast Guard, Fishing Partnership Support Services in Massachusetts and the local fishing community to meet an expressed need in less than one month.

PD-15-10 Accomplishment

Connecticut Sea Grant supports website/mobile app development to improve omega 3 consumption by women, infants & toddlers

RELEVANCE: A Connecticut Sea Grant researcher expanded an existing needs assessment of Certified Nurse Midwives regarding omega 3 consumption to include 89 obstetric physicians from Beijing China. The results were compared to identify if knowledge, attitudes and prescribing patterns diverge, and to evaluate global issues surrounding gaps in these areas and opportunities for educational outreach. While midwives had significantly higher survey scores compared to obstetric physicians, the results collectively point to gaps in knowledge and prescribing patterns across both cohorts. General lack of knowledge related to omega 3 food sources, consumption guidelines and evidence-based links with pregnancy outcomes was revealed. The findings support a global need for formalized practice guidelines and educational outreach to improve consumption of omega 3 in the obstetric population. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant funded the website and mobile application development as an initial step in educational outreach to obstetric practitioners. The content supports practitioner knowledge and decision-making for improved omega 3 consumption during pregnancy. RESULTS: The web / app content addresses identified needs for basic education, current research and practice guidelines and informative resources supporting increased fish and omega 3 consumption among women, infants and toddlers. The site, http://go-fish.uconn.edu/, covers Research and Practice Guidelines, Maternal Food Sources, Maternal Supplementation, Infant/Toddler Food Sources & Supplements, and Recipes/Resources. The mobile application will provide a user-friendly platform through which obstetric practitioners can readily access information during routine obstetrical care. Focus groups will assess content acceptability, need for further development, and preferable modes of educational outreach utilizing the mobile application. (PD-15-10)RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant supported the needs-based development of a website / mobile app that provides basic education, current research and practice guidelines and informative resources supporting increased fish and omega 3 consumption among women, infants and toddlers. The website and mobile app provide user-friendly platforms through which obstetric practitioners can readily access information during routine obstetrical care.

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Partners: UConn School of Nursing

Accomplishment A/E-1

Connecticut-Rhode Island Sea Grant trains 77 in HACCP-based seafood processing; economic impact exceeds $1.97 million

(2016 update) RELEVANCE: The 1997 US Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulation (Title 21 CFR Part 123) requires that all domestic and imported fish and fishery products be processed and handled in the safest manner possible. The regulation requires standardized training of processors and regulators in the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), a food safety management program. The curriculum was developed by scientists, regulators, and processors comprising the Seafood HACCP Alliance. Concern about the increasing number of outbreaks of seafood-borne illnesses, and the need to protect consumer health led to the regulation. RESPONSE: Recognizing that the seafood industry’s continual employee/business turnover would drive ongoing demand for HACCP training, a training partnership between Connecticut Sea Grant and Rhode Island Sea Grant was established to ensure that industry members in southern New England have regular access to the required training. Up to six courses are held annually, alternating between Connecticut and Rhode Island. Former trainees are apprised of key changes and updates through periodic communication. RESULTS: In 2016, 59 processors, state/federal regulators, and faculty from Massachusetts to Kentucky were trained to apply HACCP principles to seafood processing. Up to 40 businesses and 57 jobs were retained, equating to an economic impact exceeding $1.97 million. Eighteen senior aquaculture high school students from New Haven and Wallingford CT also completed the standardized HACCP course as a School-to-Career training opportunity. Since 1997, more than 1,553 individuals have been trained by the two Sea Grant programs, including 274 high school students from four Connecticut high schools.RECAP: A Connecticut and Rhode Island Sea Grant partnership offers annual US Food and Drug Association-mandated training in the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles to the safe processing of seafood. In 2016, 77 processors, regulators, faculty and senior high school students in aquaculture completed the training with an estimated economic impact from 40 retained businesses and 57 jobs exceeding $1.97 million.

Accomplishment A/E-47; A/E-42, R/A- 14; R/A-34; R/A-38; R/A-39

Northeast Sea Grant Programs receive Sea Grant Association Research to Application Award for advancing seaweed aquaculture RELEVANCE: Worldwide, seaweed production eclipses the production of shellfish, finfish and other marine organisms, but U.S. production contributes only ~1%. Sugar kelp, a native cold-water brown seaweed in New England, grows as far south as Long Island Sound. While similar kelp species have been cultivated historically elsewhere, the U.S. resource depended on wild harvests of kelp. Seaweed cultivation has also been shown to help improve water quality in eutrophic urban coastal waters by removing nitrogen and phosphorus. RESPONSE: Over nearly 30 years, Northeast Sea Grant researchers investigated basic physiology and growth of economically important seaweeds. This work served as the basis for more recent research advancements on nursery and cultivation techniques and new applications. Researchers adapted techniques for growing native seaweeds for food and other products such as fertilizer. Early milestones included growing sugar kelp in culture through an entire life cycle. Through business and educational

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partnerships, culture systems were piloted and seeded kelp was grown on longlines off the Maine coast and in Long Island Sound. Researchers and extension agents worked with industry to establish businesses growing and processing sugar kelp. Products types include fresh, dried, blanched and frozen noodles, and “pickles”.RESULTS: The culmination of this research to application effort has developed viable mass-scalable seaweed aquaculture and domestic markets. Outreach programs continue to expand viable markets and diversified products with active seaweed harvesters, processors and chefs in five Northeast states. In 2016, the Sea Grant Association selected the advancement of seaweed culture for its 2016 Research to Application Group Award.

RECAP: Northeast Sea Grant Programs were recognized for more than 30 years of research and extension that has led to the establishment of commercial seaweed aquaculture in five Northeast states. In 2016, the Sea Grant Association recognized its peers for the culmination of these efforts with its Research to Application Group Award.

Partners: CT, ME, NH, WHOI, NY Sea Grant

A/E-44 R/LR-24 Impact

Oyster company applies Sea Grant research on remote setting to help stabilize annual oyster seed supply cost-effectively

RELEVANCE: Most Connecticut shellfish farms rely on natural oyster beds for seed oysters which are transplanted to leased beds for grow-out. Natural seed availability is unpredictable year to year. Connecticut Sea Grant research on remote setting techniques for oysters demonstrated that bags of oyster shell in tanks inoculated with hatchery-produced oyster larvae can yield 1-50 spat (young oysters) per shell. Protected from predators when the biodegradable bags are transplanted directly on to grow-out grounds, the young oysters grow on the shell until they are harvested and broken apart into individuals. More expensive than natural seed transplants, this method is less expensive than hatchery-produced single oysters.RESPONSE: To offset the unpredictability of natural seed availability, a Connecticut shellfish company piloted this remote setting technique in 2015. Larvae purchased from a hatchery were poured into tanks holding trays of oyster shell. The trays aided water flow and larvae dispersion. Newly settled spat began growing on the shell. Once visible, the number of spat per shell were counted on 100 shells and used to calculate the number of seed oysters produced. After additional growth, the spat-on-shell were planted directly on the test grow-out bed. At harvest, the clusters of oysters will be broken apart into individuals. RESPONSE: Based on the pilot results, the shellfishermen installed a commercial scale hatchery for larvae production and additional tanks. Remotely-set oyster seed were planted on 1 acre of leased ground in 2016. The company has high hopes for the tanks to be a consistent and reliable source of seed to use on their beds. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant research on remote setting techniques for oysters was applied by a Connecticut shellfish company as a means for stabilizing the amount of new oyster seed available for planting annually. A small-scale pilot in 2015 led to the installation of a commercial scale hatchery and remote setting facility for in-house oyster seed production in 2016. From their initial production of larvae and seed, they were able to plant one acre of ground.

Partners: Norm Bloom & Son, Noank Aquaculture Cooperative, DABA

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Accomplishment A/E-44

Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension improve shellfish production through Northeast Aquaculture Research Farm Network

RELEVANCE: Shellfish farmers interested in testing new cultivation techniques or gear need scientific advice and assistance with data collection and permit applications in order to be able to fully evaluate the benefits or risks to their businesses. The ability to import a new gear type, obtain appropriate permits for its use, and/or adapt new techniques to individual operations and conditions varies from state to state and requires local expertise and assistance.RESPONSE: Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension agents and researchers established the Northeast Aquaculture Research Farm Network (NARF-NET), partnering with shellfish businesses in five states to create a network of commercial farms serving as research stations. The purpose is to test and demonstrate new shellfish aquaculture technology at a pilot commercial scale on existing farms throughout the Northeast, working towards the goal of improved shellfish production equipment and husbandry. The network uses grant funding to facilitate testing of new techniques or gear by shellfish partners in each state, offsetting the testing phase expense and reducing the risk to participating shellfish operations. Extension agents partner with network farms to serve as science advisors and data collectors, and to help industry navigate through state / local permitting and other relevant requirements. Results from the pilot projects are shared with other industry members through on-farm demonstrations, workshops and conferences. RESULTS: The Network completed its first grant-funded effort, investigating two gear types new to the Northeast region, one for clams and one for oysters. Pilot testing took place in five Northeast states and involved 30 shellfish farms. RECAP: Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension agents formed the Northeast Aquaculture Research Farm Network to assist shellfish farmers in testing and evaluating the use of new gear types or cultivation techniques. Partnering with farms in each state, the Network seeks grants to conduct research on these farms with the goals of improving shellfish production gear and cultivation techniques and sharing the results regionally.

Accomplishment A/E-44

Sea Grant and partners demonstration of flip bag use during Eastern oyster grow-out yields promising value-added product

RELEVANCE: The Pacific Northwest “Kusshi” oyster (Crassostrea gigas) commands a premium price. These oysters are periodically tumbled, breaking off new shell growth and stunting their growth. Kussi oysters are grown in conventional plastic mesh bags rotating on an axis with each tidal cycle. The tumbling yields a relatively small oyster with a very deep cup holding a large volume of meat. A Roger Williams researcher tested flip bags with Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). The resulting oysters resembled the Kusshi oyster, and oyster and bag biofouling were significantly reduced due to periodic exposure to air each low tide. RESPONSE: Northeast Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension agents partnered with the researcher and 25 shellfish farm partners in the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Farm Network to test the use of “flip bags” on oyster production. The bags were adapted for use at each farm, according to the farm’s placement in nearshore intertidal or deeper subtidal waters. Side-by side comparisons of the flip bag oysters versus those grown using the traditional cultivation practices ran through two growing seasons.

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RESULTS: The use of flip bags yielded faster growing rates, deeper cut shells, reduced biofouling, and lower labor costs due to reduced handling. This technology provides Northeast farmers with a “value-added” oyster product to market. This is relevant as most Northeast states are relaxing minimal size requirements for farmed raised shellfish, allowing a Kusshi-type oyster to be marketed below the conventional 3-inch limit. One Connecticut shellfisherman is seeking financial support to adopt his operation to using the flip bags. RECAP: Northeast Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension partnered with researchers and shellfish farm partners to evaluate the use of flip bags on Eastern oyster production versus traditional cultivation practices. The oysters grew faster, produced a deeper cut shell holding more meat, and avoided summertime biofouling, resulting in lower labor costs and a value-added product.

Partners: Connecticut Sea Grant, Maine Cooperative Extension Service, Maine Sea Grant, New Hampshire Sea Grant, Roger Williams University (RWU), Suffolk County Cooperative Extension, Marine Program, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant (WHOI)

Accomplishment A/E-46; A/E-48

Sea Grant raises visibility and public awareness of Connecticut shellfish sectors through community events and outreach

(2016 update) RELEVANCE: Shellfish aquaculture is an important Connecticut industry with landings valued at more than $30 million; 45 companies provide 300 jobs. Recreational shellfishing opportunities exist in 14 coastal towns, and commercial and recreational shellfish grounds total nearly 80,000 acres. Ecologically-important natural shellfish populations occupy vast tracts of sea bottom. While commercially cultivated shellfish beds thrive in Long Island Sound, some organizations are interested in conservation and other ways to benefit from enhanced shellfish populations, ranging from habitat restoration to bioextraction to shoreline protection. Both challenges and opportunities exist, but understanding the interests and concerns of various stakeholders is mutually beneficial. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant and NOAA Milford Lab are leading an effort to identify opportunities and threats to Connecticut shellfish sectors. The award-winning Connecticut Shellfish Initiative, a collaborative and proactive endeavor, is developing the state’s first vision plan for all shellfish sectors. One identified priority is raise the visibility of the shellfish sectors among Connecticut’s residents. RESULTS: Over a two-year period, Sea Grant participated in 20 public events (shellfish-themed festivals, shellfish commission “how-to” clam digs, and events at museums and aquaria), and held farm tours in partnership with commercial shellfish companies. In collaboration with industry and UConn Extension, a bus tour brought 40 interested individuals to the coast to tour a seafood-processing “hub” and test their clamming skills following a hands-on demonstration. Shellfish-related banners, posters and two dedicated issues of the Connecticut Sea Grant magazine, Wrack Lines, were displayed or distributed by commercial and recreational shellfish sectors to help raise public awareness.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant with NOAA Fisheries in Milford are leading the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative. Over a two-year period, Sea Grant participated in more than 20 public events, including shellfish festivals and municipal clam digs, and partnered with industry to offer tours of shellfish businesses and processing facilities. Development and distribution of shellfish-related banners, posters and magazine issues to recreational and commercial shellfish interests helped raise public awareness of Connecticut shellfish sectors.

Partners: (listed in PIER)

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Accomplishments A/E-46; A/E-48

Sea Grant launches Connecticut Shellfish Initiative implementation phase, highlighting 35 recommendations in vision plan

(2016 update) RELEVANCE: Shellfish aquaculture is an important Connecticut industry with landings valued at more than $30 million; 45 companies provide 300 jobs. Recreational shellfishing opportunities exist in 14 coastal towns, and commercial and recreational shellfish grounds total nearly 80,000 acres. Ecologically-important natural shellfish populations occupy vast tracts of sea bottom. While commercially cultivated shellfish beds thrive in Long Island Sound, some organizations are interested in conservation and other ways to benefit from enhanced shellfish populations, ranging from habitat restoration to bioextraction to shoreline protection. Both challenges and opportunities exist, but understanding the interests and concerns of various stakeholders is mutually beneficial. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant and NOAA Milford Lab are leading an effort to identify opportunities and threats to Connecticut shellfish sectors. The award-winning Connecticut Shellfish Initiative, a collaborative and proactive endeavor, is developing the state’s first vision plan for all shellfish sectors and raising their visibility among Connecticut’s residents. RESULTS: Phase One of the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative culminated in June when Connecticut Sea Grant released a vision plan outlining 35 recommendations for achieving a more diverse shellfish industry, enhanced natural shellfish resources and expanded recreational harvesting opportunities. These recommendations are being used to justify policy and funding decisions and grant proposals. Sea Grant initiated the implementation phase in October, with a reception featuring talks by commercial, recreational and natural resource interests, state shellfish regulators, and Sea Grant. Local shellfish dishes, a shellfish-themed art show and auction for local adult and youth artists, and informational displays and posters provided different perspectives of shellfish for the 115 attendees.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant with NOAA Fisheries in Milford are leading the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative. In 2016, the vision plan was released, highlighting 35 recommendations for achieving growth and diversity in commercial shellfishing, expanded recreational shellfishing opportunities and enhanced natural shellfish resources. These recommendations are forming the basis of policy and funding decisions and grant proposals. The implementation phase of the Initiative was launched during an evening reception with talks, displays, posters, local shellfish dishes and an adult / youth shellfish-themed art show.

Partners – listed in PIER

Accomplishment R/LR-27

Sea Grant research factors into proposed amendment to Tautog management by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

RELEVANCE: Larger, older individuals contribute disproportionally to reproduction in marine fish populations. Because fisheries tend to deplete these elders, sustainability of exploited fish stocks may be enhanced by restricting the take of larger fish through harvest slot limits. Management measures protecting elders may improve angling opportunities in the heavily-restricted Tautog fishery, a coastal demersal fish species. Recreational fishing constitutes about 90% of the 4 million pound annual landings.

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Responsible for managing Tautog fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission determined that the stock remained overfished in its 2012 stock assessment. RESPONSE: In consultation with the Commission, Connecticut Sea Grant researchers explored alternative management regulations to help rebuild Tautog. They developed a separate stock assessment for Tautog in Long Island Sound, used the stock assessment model framework to characterize how adopting alternative management strategies like harvest slot limits could affect both Tautog stock sustainability and recreational angling, and developed a population dynamics simulation model to quantify the consequences of adopting alternative management strategies. RESULTS: The Sea Grant research was incorporated into Draft Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog, issued for public review by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The Amendment proposes a fundamental change in Tautog management, moving from coast-wide stock management towards regional population management (e.g., Long Island Sound). Regional management options were developed in response to the 2016 stock assessment, with commercial and recreational harvest reductions proposed for Long Island Sound. Harvest slot limits as a management strategy are also under consideration in the proposed amendment. RECAP: Sea Grant researchers developed a separate stock assessment for Tautog in Long Island Sound, and projected effects of adopting harvest slot limits to protect the larger, older females to help rebuild the overfished population. Their work was incorporated into Draft Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog, which proposes a fundamental shift from coast-wide management to more regional-focused management of Tautog populations. The proposed management changes have been issued for public review by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Partners:

Impact A/E-42, 47; R/A-14, 38, 39

Sea Grant research leads to establishment of new commercial kelp hatchery and processing facilities in Connecticut

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: Extensive research and extension sponsored by Sea Grant and other agencies led to kelp cultivation techniques (e.g., hatchery, nursery, grow-out, processing) and a new and growing Northeast sea vegetable aquaculture industry. Three Connecticut farmers grow kelp on longlines over winter and spring; one farmer is working with Sea Grant on a summer crop of the red alga Graciliaria. New kelp farms are established in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and New York. Bottlenecks to growth have included a lack of commercial scale hatchery and nursery facilities, time required for agency approval of different processed forms for sale, and limited commercial processing capacity. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant Extension and UConn researchers worked with established kelp growers and regulators. One entrepreneurial Connecticut company (Thimble Island Oysters/Greenwave) decided to move beyond being the first Connecticut commercial kelp farm to addressing the need for commercial seed string hatcheries and processing facilities. RESULTS: With USDA support, Greenwave established a commercial facility to process four different kelp products; the facility can process 5,000 pounds of kelp per day and 300,000 pounds per season. They secured financing to build a 15,000 sq. ft. facility to process two million pounds annually. Greenwave guarantees purchase of kelp produced in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts to ensure a stable, high return market, which they will process. Greenwave also built a hatchery and began produce and sell commercial volumes of kelp seed string. RECAP: By applying research sponsored by Connecticut Sea Grant and other agencies, the first Connecticut kelp farmer is expanding to meet growing needs of the new Northeast kelp aquaculture

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industry. Greenwave built a commercial facility to process 5,000 pounds of kelp per day and plans to expand capacity to process two million pounds per year. The operation also built a hatchery for seed string production and guarantees the purchase of kelp from Northeast farmers.

Partners: Thimble island Oysters, Norm Bloom & Son, Montowese Lobsters, Public Health, DABA, Ag Exp Station, UConn

Accomplishment A/E-42

Connecticut Sea Grant continues partnership with State, sugar kelp farmers on cultivation, testing and processing

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: Four farms and one high school comprise the commercial sea vegetable industry in Connecticut, growing and selling sugar kelp both in a raw unprocessed form and as frozen kelp noodles. Tank cultured Gracilaria, a red alga, is being sold to a restaurant by the high school, a licensed food manufacturer. More farms are in the permit pipeline. Bottlenecks to growth include a lack of commercial nursery facilities, the need for evaluation and approval for sale of processed forms of kelp and the limited availability of licensed processing facilities for sea vegetables in Connecticut. RESPONSE: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant continued its partnership with the Connecticut Departments of Agriculture / Bureau of Aquaculture, Public Health, and Consumer Protection and kelp farmers in Branford and Norwalk CT to investigate longline cultivation, processing options and potential public health hazards for sugar kelp. Sea Grant partnered with Tasty Kale LLC., a local manufacturer of dried kale chips to dry kelp at its approved facility and provide commercial scale data on the processing of dried kelp. RESULTS: Raw and dried sugar kelp samples were tested for pathogens, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants. All tests came back looking good (negative results). Active farms are required to submit samples of raw kelp to the Bureau 6-8 weeks prior to harvest initiation for pathogen and chemical contaminant testing at State expense. Active and future kelp farmers were convened by Sea Grant Extension at the end of the season to discuss issues and concerns.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant continues to partner with five commercial kelp farms, state officials and researchers to test product and investigate processing and product options for sugar kelp, addressing some of the bottlenecks hampering growth of the nascent sea vegetable aquaculture industry in Connecticut and the Northeast region.

Partners: DABA, PH, CAES, Farms, UConn Ext

Accomplishment A/E-42

Sea Grant develops guidance document for safe handling and processing of aquacultured sugar kelp in Connecticut

RELEVANCE: As the nascent seaweed aquaculture industry in the Northeast continues to grow, one major regulatory bottleneck has been the lack of federal public health guidelines governing the production and processing of seaweed. Traditionally, the US Food and Drug Administration has considered seaweed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) when used as a spice. However no information is available about potential human health hazards when larger amounts of seaweed are

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processed and consumed. This was problematic for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, when faced with regulating this new crop for human consumption. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant partnered with the Bureau of Aquaculture to draft a guidance document, Sea Vegetable Production and Processing in Connecticut: A Guide to Understanding and Controlling Potential Food Safety Hazards, which outlines all of the potential species and process related hazards associated with sea vegetable production and processing in Connecticut. The guide will be used to assist Connecticut seaweed farmers in developing seaweed-focused food safety management plans that incorporate the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), as required by the Bureau. RESULTS: For kelp, potential species and process related hazards have been identified. Guidance has been developed for raw and kelp noodles in Connecticut, which farmers use to develop their HACCP plans as required by the Bureau. Work is ongoing related to understanding potential hazards associated with dehydrated sugar kelp and the red alga, Gracilaria, in raw form, currently approved for tank culture, and developing appropriate handing guidance.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant, in partnership with several state agencies, has drafted a guidance document for the safe handling and processing of raw and frozen noodle forms of sugar kelp. The information is used by Connecticut seaweed farmers to develop state-required food safety management plans incorporating Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and will be expanded to include dried kelp and tank-cultured Gracilaria (red alga) in the future.

Partners: Partners: DABA, PH, CP, UConn EXT

Accomplishment A/E-35 PD-10-08

Sea Grant develops regulatory guidance document for farmers interested in marketing shellfish directly to consumers

RELEVANCE: While Community-Supported Aquaculture programs appear to have limited viability for Connecticut shellfish operations at this time, shellfishermen still expressed interest in marketing a portion of their products directly to consumers. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant collaborated with the Connecticut Departments of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture, Public Health and Consumer Protection to draft the document, Regulatory Guidance for the Direct Marketing of Molluscan Shellfish in Connecticut. The content covers the shellfish distribution chain, an overview of the regulatory requirements for direct sales, recommendations, advertising resources for shellfish harvesters and dealers and additional resources. The guide focuses on sale of commercially harvested raw fresh or frozen molluscan shellfish (clams, mussels, oysters and whole or roe-on scallops), and is meant for both licensed and non-licensed shellfish producers.RESULTS: The draft document has been reviewed by state agency staff, local sanitarians, and shellfishermen. It is currently undergoing final graphic design and will be available as an electronic publication in Fall 2017.

RECAP: To address an expressed need of Connecticut shellfishermen, Connecticut Sea Grant partnered with relevant state regulatory agencies to develop regulatory guidance for the direct marketing of shellfish in Connecticut. Following extensive reviews by local and state regulators and industry members, the final document is currently in graphic design and will be available electronically in Fall 2017.

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Partners: DABA, PH, CP, sanitarians, shellfish industry

Impact A/E-1

Sea Grant and partners strengthen food security, build economic opportunities through sustainable snakehead aquaculture

RELEVANCE: Fisheries of the lower Mekong Basin provide a means to create food security and nutrition for 60 million people in Cambodia and Vietnam. Snakehead is a highly valued food fish, is consumed in fresh and processed forms in the Lower Mekong Basin. In 2004, snakehead farming was banned in Cambodia, while it grew in Vietnam due to its high market value. The AquaFish Collaborative Research and Innovation Lab, a collaboration of researchers from Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island, Vietnam and Cambodia worked on snakehead farming for more than a decade. The researchers developed a plant-based feed for snakehead fish and induced spawning, weaning and grow-out protocols for snakehead fish. These developments led to the removal of the snakehead aquaculture ban in Cambodia in 2016. RESPONSE: AquaFish researchers assisted Vietnamese and Cambodian agencies in developing guidelines for sustainable snakehead aquaculture and expanded research on weaning and grow-out systems applicable to indigenous snakehead species. They provided training in DNA analyses to differentiate between species and worked with private sector interests to ensure farmers have access to feed and fingerlings, supporting a legal industry. RESULTS: Snakehead contribute to 70% of total aquaculture production in Cambodia and generate 10 times more profit compared to other fish species. Sustainable, small-scale snakehead farms are improving economic opportunities, nutrition and food security in Cambodia while starting to reduce the environmental impacts of overfishing in the Lower Mekong Basin. More than 90 percent of snakehead farmers are using the pelleted feed.

RECAP: A decade-long government ban on snakehead fish farming in Cambodia was lifted in 2016 due to a long-term research program led by Connecticut Sea Grant and partners. The program developed a plant-based feed now used by 90% of snakehead farmers in Vietnam and Cambodia, and developed culture techniques related to weaning and grow-out. Snakehead aquaculture offers new economic opportunities, strengthens nutrition and food security, and helps reduce overfishing in the Lower Mekong Basin.

Partners: URI, OSU, US AID, Cantho, IFREDI, ARE

Accomplishment A/E-46, A/E-1

Sea Grant shares Connecticut shellfish experiences to benefit other state, regional and national shellfish-based initiatives

RELEVANCE: In 2011, NOAA established the National Shellfish Initiative to increase populations of bivalve shellfish in the nation’s coastal waters—including oysters, clams, abalone, and mussels—through both sustainable commercial production and restoration activities. In 2013, Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension, in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries began to facilitate the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative. The goal of this stakeholder-based effort to develop a Vision Plan for the future of Connecticut shellfish and shellfisheries. Citizens, shellfishermen, regulators and scientists were convened to discuss and draft recommendations to support the growth of the state's commercial, recreational and natural

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shellfish resources and increase public awareness about the importance of those resources. In 2016, the Vision Plan was released with key recommendations and the initiative entered the implementation phase. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant Extension contributes to the National Shellfish Initiative by relating successes and speed bumps encountered as it leads a Connecticut-focused effort. At regional and national conferences and meetings, Connecticut Sea Grant was invited to share its experiences in planning, process, and facilitated decision-making related to the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative with shellfish colleagues. RESULT: Connecticut Sea Grant’s shared experiences informed planning and outreach efforts related to the Southeast Atlantic Shellfish Initiative and the Oysters South and Gulf of Mexico Initiative. By convening sessions with extension aquaculture peers at national meetings, planning and outreach strategies and outreach programs and products were shared and progress among shellfish initiatives across the country at varying stages of maturity was promoted.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant contributed to the advancement of state, regional and national shellfish initiatives by sharing experiences, progress, outreach products and lessons learned as it leads the Connecticut Shellfish Initiative from the vision-development stage to the beginning of the implementation phase.

IMPACT A/E-1; A/E-42 etc.

Sea Grant aquaculture extension provides technical assistance to new and retained businesses worth an estimated $480,000

RELEVANCE: The Connecticut commercial shellfish harvest is valued at more than $30 million, with Eastern oysters, hard clams, bay scallops and blue mussels comprising the catch. More than 77,000 acres of leased shellfish beds are worked by more than 40 companies. Shellfishermen must cope with permit applications, business plans, marketing strategies, while keeping abreast of changes in regulations, product handling practices and new technologies, in order to remain viable and grow their businesses. In a similar manner, the nascent seaweed aquaculture industry in Connecticut and Northeast region must address similar concerns as the industry ramps up from seed string to marketed product forms. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant Extension provides technical assistance to both established and potential shellfish and seaweed farmers. They serve on a state-federal permitting work group to help streamline and clarify the permitting processes, assist with business work plans, collaborate to provide interactive access to shellfish maps through the Aquaculture Mapping Atlas, and develop guidance for direct marketing strategies. They also collaborate with industry, researchers, regulators and extension colleagues to conduct applied research, testing new gear and cultivation techniques, investigating potential processing bottlenecks and evaluating new product forms for safety. RESULTS: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant extension assistance contributed to the establishment of five new shellfish and seaweed farms, and the strengthening and retention of 10 additional businesses, collectively affecting at least 15 jobs. The collective value of these 15 businesses is an estimated $480,000.RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant Extension ongoing assistance to established and prospective shellfish and seaweed aquaculture businesses culminated in 2016 with five new businesses established and 10 existing businesses strengthened and retained. Collectively, these 15 businesses have an estimated value of $480,000.

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Partners:

Hazard Resilient Coastal Communities

Accomplishment M/PA-1

Connecticut Sea Grant - UConn School of Law symposium focuses on governing and financing a resilient Long Island Sound

RELEVANCE: In Connecticut, efforts have begun to develop plans that enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities and the Long Island Sound ecosystem in the face of a changing climate. The state has initiated the Blue Plan, a marine spatial planning process for the Sound. As these efforts proceed, legal and policy questions have arisen regarding financing coastal resilience and developing marine spatial plans for a transboundary body of water. RESPONSE: With support from the National Sea Grant Law Center, Connecticut Sea Grant partnered with the University of Connecticut School of Law to organize the April 2016 symposium: Resilience and the Big Picture: Governing and Financing Innovations for Long Island Sound and Beyond. Building on symposia held in 2012 (with Law Center support) and 2014, this effort explored the challenges of creating a resilient future on both sides of the Long Island Sound high tide line. RESULTS: Nearly 200 people attended the symposium. Papers were selected through a competitive Call and presented in two sections: 1) Big Picture Planning in Long Island Sound and Beyond; and 2) Achieving Resilience through Insurance and Finance. Formal presentations, policy panels, and open discussion offered audience members the opportunity to explore innovative solutions to the challenges inherent in planning for and creating a resilient future. Contributed papers are being compiled into a Sea Grant Law and Policy Journal special issue. Symposium highlights included keynote addresses by US Senator Blumenthal and Connecticut Governor Malloy. RECAP: With support from the National Sea Grant Law Center, Connecticut Sea Grant partnered with the University of Connecticut School of Law to host the third in a series of biennial symposia addressing legal and policy questions related to enhancing marine spatial planning, climate adaptation and resilience; in particular, this symposia explored coastal resilience planning (both seaward and landward) and financing.

Partners: NSGLC, UCONN School of Law

Accomplishment A/E-1

Sea Grant student refines flood vulnerability assessment for regional water authority to include critical access roads

RELEVANCE: The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority supplies 46 million gallons of water daily to 430,000 people in 15 communities and has numerous locations with infrastructure (e.g. wells, pump stations). Climate change concerns prompted the Authority to hire a consultant to evaluate the vulnerability of its headquarters location to flooding. RESPONSE: Resilience planning discussions between Sea Grant and the Authority led to a vulnerability reassessment by a Sea Grant graduate student, who reviewed the consultant’s flood resilience study on the headquarters location and further assessed other vulnerabilities. Results of an A-2 Survey (industry standard for accurately determining land boundaries) of Authority headquarters were validated using

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LIDAR (remote sensing method using light to measure distances to Earth to generate precise, 3-D information about Earth’s surface). A level-one Hazus Analysis was conducted to determine the Authority’s infrastructure vulnerability to various coastal and riverine flood scenarios. Hazus, a FEMA-developed standardized methodology, estimates potential losses for buildings and infrastructure from earthquakes, hurricane winds and floods using Geographic Information Systems software.RESULTS: Stillwater elevations (projected elevation of floodwaters under certain conditions) used by the consultant for the Authority’s headquarters were outdated. The correct elevations affected potential building damages and mitigation alternatives included in the consultant’s risk and vulnerability analysis. LIDAR confirmed the accuracy of the A-2 Survey results for Authority headquarters. The Hazus Analysis revealed that one infrastructure location is vulnerable under a 50-year coastal flooding scenario, but 50 infrastructure locations and critical but previously-unconsidered access roads are vulnerable under 10-year and 25-year riverine flood scenarios.RECAP: A Connecticut Sea Grant-supported graduate student enabled a regional water authority to fully understand the extent of its infrastructure vulnerability to flooding by reviewing and correcting flood elevation numbers used in a risk analysis, confirming property boundary survey results using LIDAR and analyzing potential damage to not only infrastructure but also to critical but previously-unconsidered access roads under a series of coastal and riverine flooding scenario levels using nationally standardized methodology.

Partners: South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, UConn Dept of Natural Resources and the Environment

R/CSAP-2_NJ IMPACT

National Weather Service Eastern Region adopts Sea Grant research recommendation to improve template for storm briefings

RELEVANCE: NOAA National Weather Service storm briefing products are a critical source of information used by local officials, emergency managers and residents to assess risk and determine which actions to take to prevent loss of life and property. Some communities are covered by more than one Weather Forecasting Office, and different briefing material formats must be reconciled by local officials, which can take time and add confusion.RESPONSE: As part of the Coastal Storm Awareness Program, the New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut Sea Grant Programs supported social science research that evaluated NOAA National Weather Service storm briefing materials and their use by local officials, residents and emergency managers. The research team used community feedback on these storm warning products to recommend design changes to improve the visual and graphic clarity of the information being conveyed and enhance broader understanding of the risks being communicated. RESULTS: In 2016, the director of the NOAA National Weather Service, Eastern Region, requested that his staff develop a new standardized storm briefing template for use by all Weather Forecasting Offices in his region. The purposes of the standardized template were to 1) reduce confusion in communities served by more than one Weather Forecasting Office; 2) incorporate probabilistic forecasting; and 3) incorporate all of the design recommendations from the Sea Grant social science research project. The new template, first used in December 2016 by the Grey, Maine Weather Forecasting Office, has received positive feedback by agency and community officials.

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RECAP: A new standardized template for storm briefings used by all Weather Forecasting Offices in the National Weather Service’s Eastern Region incorporates all of the recommendations from a CT-NY-NJ Sea Grant Coastal Storm Awareness social science research project conducted by the Nurture Nature Center. The recommendations focused on improving the visual and graphic clarity of storm briefing information; the new template was first used in December 2016.

Partners: CT Sea Grant, NJ Sea Grant, NY Sea Grant, NOAA NWS, Nurture Nature Center

Accomplishment PD-12-18 A/E-1 C/CMP – 1

Sea Grant provides technical guidance for coastal property owners and managers seeking to restore eroded coastal beaches

RELEVANCE: Storms and associated hazards such as flooding and erosion can damage coastal property and affect beaches and dunes providing valuable habitat for uniquely adapted species of plants and animals. While beaches occupy only 14 percent or 87 miles of Connecticut’s coastline, the shoreline is densely populated. Hazards of living near a beach or dune system include hurricanes and nor’easters, erosion, storm surge, and flooding. Following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, many coastal homeowners faced with significant coastal erosion were uncertain how to approach restoration of the beaches and dunes. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant wanted to provide coastal property owners and coastal resource managers with technical guidance and information to assist them in responding to severe coastal erosion. Maine Sea Grant developed a new website, “Maine Property Owner’s Guide to Managing Flood, Erosion and Other Coastal Hazards”, which covered beach/dune, tidal wetlands and bluff/rocky shore habitats. Connecticut Sea Grant received permission from Maine Sea Grant to use the Maine website and relevant technical content as a template for developing new webpages on beach and dune environments.RESULTS: The new website, available at: http://beachduneguide.uconn.edu/, includes information about living shorelines. An extensive technical report is available for download. Coastal property owners and resource managers can use the website content to help evaluate threats to beach property from erosion, and identify possible solutions. Feedback from the Connecticut Coastal Zone Management Program was positive and was accompanied by a request to expand the website to include bluffs (which would also be relevant to New York).

RECAP: Using a Maine Sea Grant website as a template, Connecticut Sea Grant developed webpages and technical guidance for coastal property owners and managers seeking to protect and restore beaches and dunes from the effects of coastal erosion due to storms, flooding and surge.

Partners: UCONN DMS, Maine Geological Survey, Maine Sea Grant, CT DEEP

Accomplishment PD-16-05; A/E-43

Sea Grant legal fellow researches questions related to climate adaptation raised during workshop focused on legal issues

RELEVANCE: In November 2015, the Sea Grant’s Climate Adaptation Academy held its first workshop focused on legal issues in the age of climate adaptation. During the workshop, attendees provided

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questions and comments to be addressed by a panel discussion as the culmination of the program. Of the more than 50 questions raised, the panel was able to address only a small fraction.RESPONSE: Through a Connecticut Sea Grant Development Award, a legal fellow was challenged with researching legal policy around the remaining questions and developing a series of fact sheets. Four fact sheets were written to directly address the researched questions and comments from the workshop. Available at http://climate.uconn.edu/, the fact sheets cover Takings and Coastal Management, Property and Permitting Boundaries at the Shoreline, Governmental Tort Liability for Disclosure of Flood Hazard Information, and Flood and Erosion Control Structures. Key audiences are municipal and state officials and coastal property owners. RESULTS: Sea Grant began its follow-up with interested stakeholders by hosting a webinar during which the legal intern introduced the fact sheets and answered questions. More than 80 attendees from eight states attended the webinar, strong evidence that these climate change related legal issues have relevance not just within Connecticut but in many coastal areas. A second legal-focused Climate Adaptation Academy workshop will be held in December 2017 to facilitate further discussion of these legal/policy questions and potentially lead to the drafting of policies for municipalities related to these legal issues. (PD-16-05)

RECAP: A Sea Grant legal fellow researched questions raised during a Climate Adaptation Academy workshop on legal issues in the age of climate adaptation, hosted by Connecticut Sea Grant and its partners. The resulting four fact sheets are being used to provide workshop participants and other interested parties with answers to the myriad legal questions raised during the workshop and will be the focus of a follow-up workshop.

Partners: Marine Affairs Institute and the Rhode Island Sea Grant Legal Program, Roger Williams School of Law, UConn Extension / CLEAR

Accomplishment A/E-43

Sea Grant workshops and charrette provide participatory opportunities for understanding and designing living shorelines

RELEVANCE: Living shorelines are a nature-based approach to protecting, restoring, enhancing or creating shoreline habit by reducing the erosional effects of water and wave energy. An increasingly popular shoreline management measure, their definition can vary by state and between state and federal agencies. Following damaging storms in 2011 and 2012, the Connecticut General Assembly recognized a need for using resilient shoreline protections like living shorelines. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant and partners held three living shoreline-focused workshops. Two covered the basics: what living shorelines are, how they might be used in Connecticut, examples, and issues like winter ice. The third workshop was a design charrette held at Harkness Memorial State Park (Waterford, CT). Charrette participants were assigned to one of nine teams with distributed expertise. Each team designed a living shoreline for a habitat-upland scenario combination (tidal wetland, beach/dune or bluff habitat with either a bath house, residential structure, or critical municipal facility). Each team presented their design to local, state and federal agency panelists who provided regulatory perspective feedback. RESULTS: Participant feedback indicated more education on living shorelines is needed to enhance understanding. Simple erosion control concepts included in designs were ruled out as living shorelines for not meeting criteria for habitat or ecological function enhancement. Future needs include refining

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Connecticut’s living shoreline definition; creating a flowchart for permit application movement through municipal, state and federal agencies; developing Connecticut design guidelines; identifying potential funding sources for installation and monitoring; and providing information to private property owners on living shoreline approaches.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant and partners implemented a three-part workshop series on living shorelines to help local and state agencies and coastal property owners improve their understanding of this nature-based approach to protecting coastal shorelines. A design charrette provided teams with the opportunity to test their understanding by developing living shoreline options for nine habitat-upland scenarios. Feedback identified five tangible needs for future development work and outreach.

Partners: CT DEEP, DABA, NOAA, ACOE, Town of Waterford, GEI Consultants, Extension, CLEAR

Accomplishment R/SS-5

Sea Grant research highlights importance of understanding behavioral responses of coastal landowners to sea-level rise

RELEVANCE: Behavioral responses of Connecticut coastal landowners to sea-level rise will play a key role in determining the future of Connecticut’s coastal ecosystems. Human behavior will be especially important for tidal marshes, projected to experience severe losses unless 1000s of landowners allow landward marsh migration. Data on behavioral intentions of landowners with respect to sea-level rise are lacking, but will be critical for effective planning. RESPONSE: To understand and project the future for tidal marshes it is important to know what proportion of landowners are likely to participate in land-conservation, what characteristics predict these behavioral intentions, and how intentions and characteristics vary spatially. Connecticut Sea Grant researchers conducted a statewide survey of behavioral intentions of landowners with respect to sea-level rise and marsh migration. RESULTS: Survey results showed that popular strategies for land protection (e.g., conservation easements) are unlikely to mitigate sea-level rise losses. Less common conservation strategies (restrictive covenants, future interest agreements) are more likely to be adopted by landowners, but are unproven in practice and likely more expensive. Integrating spatially explicit data on behavioral intentions with ecological projections showed failure to incorporate human dimensions into ecosystem modeling and conservation planning leads to overly optimistic views of marsh migration potential. Common strategies for increasing participation in conservation agreements (e.g., strengthening beliefs in climate change, increasing ecosystem services awareness) might have weak or mixed effects. Simple strategies, like alleviating concern that incentives associated with conservation agreements will be fair, could strongly influence coastal landowner behavior. Human aspects of conservation are often overlooked, but critical to identifying effective conservation strategies for a changing climate.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers surveyed the behavioral responses of Connecticut coastal landowners to sea-level rise. Integrating spatially explicit data on behavioral intentions with ecological projections showed failure to incorporate human dimensions into ecosystem modeling and conservation planning leads to overly optimistic views of the potential for marsh migration in the face of a changing climate.

Partners: EEB, CT DEEP, Cornell Survey Research Institute

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Accomplishment R/SS-5

Sea Grant research identifies barriers to integrating new findings by conservation experts and environmental educators

RELEVANCE: Behavioral responses of coastal landowners to sea-level rise will play a key role in determining the future of Connecticut’s coastal ecosystems. Human behavior will be especially important for tidal marshes, projected to experience severe losses unless landowners allow landward marsh migration. Data on behavioral intentions of landowners with respect to sea-level rise are lacking, but will be critical for effective planning. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers surveyed the behavioral intentions of landowners with respect to sea-level rise and marsh migration. They shared a summary of actionable results with conservation practitioners and environmental educators and followed up with a survey four months later to identify barriers to using the findings in programs. Results shared with practitioners included conservation easements were less popular than other land protection options; landowners have concerns that conservation organizations will act fairly; strengthening beliefs about sea-level rise and flooding severity may lead to unintended negative consequences (e.g., increased shoreline protection); and future interest agreements, an increasingly popular option, have greater potential than more traditional approaches. Results shared with educators included messages promoting ecosystem services of marshes may not be any more effective than those highlighting wildlife and imperiled species.RESULTS: The follow-up survey with conservation practitioners and environmental educators following the directed outreach helped identify barriers to integrating new research into environmental education. Two key barriers were access to scientific journals and the relevance of the research to their priorities. Research identified as particularly useful was that addressing a range of factors that influence behaviors (attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions). RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant research surveyed the behavioral responses of Connecticut coastal landowners to sea-level rise and tidal marsh migration. After summarizing their findings for conservation practitioners and environmental educators, they determined through a follow-up survey that barriers to integrating research findings into conservation and education programs include access to scientific journals and relevance of research topics to their priorities.

Accomplishment CSAP

Sea Grant shares Coastal Storm Awareness Program results on storm risk communication with local, state, federal agencies

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: Superstorm Sandy in 2012 triggered a nationwide reassessment of coastal storm preparedness in the United States, including in the heavily impacted tri-state region (New Jersey, New York, Connecticut). Nearly 150 deaths and an estimated $50 billion in property damage were attributed to this storm. RESPONSE: New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Sea Grant shared $1.8M in Sandy Supplemental funds in support of the Coastal Storm Awareness Program. Through research and outreach, both the quality of available information on coastal storm risks to humans, and understanding of factors influencing decisions by coastal residents in response to storm warnings was improved. A Program Steering Committee of stakeholders helped guide the program and review the results. Ten research proposals were funded; project administration was shared among the Sea Grant programs. Coastal storm communication professionals and emergency managers are the primary target audiences for CSAP outcomes.

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RESULTS: Sea Grant staff and funded researchers shared results of the social science research at several key venues. Presentations were given at the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Hurricanes annual meeting in Fort Worth TX, at the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans LA, at the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, and at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach FL. Key audience members were local, state and federal officials involved in storm predictions, risk communication, storm preparation and emergency management and response. Numerous requests for additional information were met.

RECAP: Responding to Superstorm Sandy, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey Sea Grant administered ten social science research projects, supported with outreach, under the $1.8M Coastal Storm Awareness Program. During 2016 and 2017, presentations on the results of the storm risk communication research were presented at five major national venues to key local, state and federal officials responsible for storm prediction, preparation and response. Partners:

Accomplishment A/E-1

Sea Grant partners with land trust and state to create a living shoreline to protect 2.6-acre preserve

RELEVANCE: Dodge Paddock is a 2.6-acre preserve on Little Narragansett Bay In Stonington CT. Owned by the Avalonia Land Conservancy, the site was heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Storm surge flooded one area, flattened dunes, gouged a sea wall and buried the meadow with sand and rocks. In 2012, Connecticut passed a law favoring “living shoreline” projects over those that re-engineer the shoreline with sea walls and jetties. Hardened structures often exacerbate erosion on adjacent properties while degrading wildlife habitat. Living shorelines maintain the connection between water and land rather than creating a distinct edge, mimicking natural dunes and marshes that mitigate erosion. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant partnered to offer a series of living shoreline workshops for town planners, coastal engineers, and land trusts. When the Conservancy expressed interest in protecting the preserve from rising sea level and future storm surge, Sea Grant and the State worked with land stewards to create a living shoreline. Salt water-adapted shrubs and grasses were planted on dunes created by Sandy, and a channel was dug to permit tides to flow freely in and out of the low-lying marsh area. Tide-tolerant grasses were allowed to grow along the rocky shore. RESULTS: Dodge Paddock is one of the few living shoreline examples in Connecticut. Rocks slow shoreline wave action and the naturally-growing marsh serves as a sponge to dampen wave energy. This site now serves as an important reference site for others interested in establishing a living shoreline along the Connecticut coast.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant worked with the Avalonia Land Conservancy to mitigate severe storm damage to Dodge Paddock Preserve by creating a living shoreline, one of the few examples in Connecticut. Rocks are used to slow wave action, and new dunes and marsh on the 2.6-acre preserve dampen wave energy, maintaining the connection between the water and the land. The site now serves as an important reference site for others interested in establishing a living shoreline along the Connecticut coast.

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Partners: Avalonia, DEEP

Accomplishment A/E – 1

Sea Grant serves as science advisor on beach stabilization demonstration project along Niantic Bay Boardwalk

RELEVANCE: A new 11-acre beach was created along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk as a direct consequence of installing a 230-foot long stone groin that extends from the shore near the Niantic River channel. More than 76,000 cubic yards of 15-20,000 year old outwash plain deposits were used to “jumpstart” the new beach; shifting sands are also getting trapped and deposited on the new beach naturally due to the groin placement. The East Lyme Public Trust Foundation is overseeing this beach stabilization project.RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant Extension and a physical oceanographer from the University of Connecticut served as science advisors to the project. Concerned that the new beach would suffer erosion from storm and current action, the Foundation decided to experiment with American beachgrass, native to Connecticut, as a means for stabilizing the sand. RESULTS: Eight East Lyme High School students and six University of Connecticut-Avery Point college students planted 400 beachgrass seedlings in four test sites on the beach. As the grasses grow and take hold, their roots will serve to trap and hold sand and prevent erosion.RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant partnered with a University of Connecticut faculty member to advise the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation on its beach stabilization project along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk. The 11-acre beach was created by the installation of a 230-foot groin and outwash plain deposits; four test sites on the new beach are being stabilized with American beachgrass seedlings planted by high school and undergraduate student volunteers.

Partners:

Accomplishment RR/SS-12-1

Sea Grant research examines how residents of two Connecticut coastal towns value adaptations for coastal storms / flooding

RELEVANCE: The hazards related to a changing climate pose significant challenges for coastal communities. Hazard mitigation involves tradeoffs between development, ecosystem health, costs and community needs, and sometimes the vocal few do not represent the silent majority’s preferences. The coastal Connecticut towns of Old Saybrook and Waterford have 24% and 50% of tidal shoreline with some form of hard armoring, respectively. Coastal storm scenarios coupled with the known impacts of Superstorm Sandy in 2012 suggest that many homes, roads, infrastructure, beaches and wetlands in both towns are vulnerable to the impacts of coastal storms and flooding.RESPONSE: The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium funded an economic survey on adapting to coastal storms and flooding that was conducted in both towns in 2014. The survey evaluated attitudes and preferences related to coastal storm and flooding risks among each town’s residents, and their willingness to fund different kinds of adaptations through additional fees and taxes. RESULTS: In both communities, the research found high values for the protection of natural habitats like beaches and public resources, and negative values associated with the construction of new hard defenses like seawalls. Most residents placed relatively low values on the protection of waterfront homes. Old Saybrook residents were willing to pay to avoid widespread construction of new hard

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defenses, and while both communities valued coastal marsh protection, expressed values for marsh protection were much higher in Waterford where marshes are scarcer. These results ran contrary to popular belief that protection of homes and roads from flooding is a top priority.

RECAP: The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium supported research investigating the willingness of residents in two Connecticut coastal communities to fund different adaptations to protect and mitigate against coastal storms and flooding. While some of the responses were location-specific, residents of both towns expressed high values for the protection of natural and public resources and lower values for the protection of homes and roads from flooding.

Partners: Clark, TNC, Town of Waterford, Old Saybrook

Ocean and Coastal Literacy and Work Force Development

Accomplishment CM/CP-1

Connecticut Sea Grant engages 152 Marine Sciences Day middle-school participants with “Meet the Seaweeds”

RELEVANCE: The Long Island Sound Foundation was established in 1992 to help promote a greater awareness and understanding of Long Island Sound as a natural resource and treasure. One of its annual activities was hosting Marine Sciences Day for students in grades 4- 8. Numerous organizations and institutions, including Sea Grant, partnered with the Foundation to offer hands-on workshop sessions to 400 students and their teachers statewide each year. In 2016, Project Oceanology, a not-for-profit marine education organization, took over the responsibility for Marine Sciences Day.RESPONSE: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant’s communicator put an earned research master’s degree on seaweed physiology to work by leading or co-leading six workshops with a graduate student, as part of Marine Sciences Day. The workshops featured identification of algae using a dichotomous key, discussion of the ecological and economic aspects of seaweed, live specimens and demonstrations. RESULTS: Twelve teachers and 140 students in grades 5-8 learned to use dissecting microscopes to observe and identify algal specimens. Demonstrations included seaweed-derived products and techniques for collecting, preserving and documenting specimens. Recent impacts of invasive and prolific species were discussed, including Dasyosiphonia japonica and Ulva compressa “green tides”. Students increased STEM skills by practicing the proper use of microscopes while learning about seaweeds, ecology, environment, and the value of algae to the economy. They observed the structure and morphology of living organisms. Teachers also increased their knowledge of the Sound’s seaweed and received Sea Grant-generated classroom resources. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant’s communicator shared ecological and economic information on Long Island Sound seaweed and guided related hands-on STEM activities with 140 students in grades 5-8 and 12 educators as part of six workshop sessions offered during the statewide Marine Sciences Day in 2016.

Partners – Project Oceanology; UConn AP

Accomplishment PD-16-01

Connecticut Sea Grant promotes ocean literacy through support for popular coastal lecture series, marine scholar program

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(2016 update) RELEVANCE: Engaging the public in the many facets of inquiry and communication about the coastal ocean and the role of science in public policy enhances coastal and ocean literacy. An environmentally literate public will be more likely to strive to conserve coastal and marine resources while optimizing environmental, economic and social benefits.

RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant continued its 16-year partnership with UConn Avery Point campus programs to co-sponsor and help organize the 2016 Coastal Perspectives Lecture Series. The lectures provide a bridge between the local community and the UConn Avery Point campus faculty and students. Topics for the 2016 series included the seafloor, Great White Sharks, Newport Harbor revitalization strategies, threatened coastal bird populations, discovery of the sea, and an artist’s perspective of nature.

RESULTS: The 2016 series attracted 640 individuals to the lectures, a 9% increase in audience size from 2015 and a 17% increase since 2010. Twelve high school marine scholars attended both the lectures and informal dinners with the several of the speakers, undergraduate students, and faculty, to stimulate their interest in marine science and maritime studies.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant continued its longtime co-sponsorship of the popular Coastal Perspectives Lecture Series, held every spring at the UConn Avery Point campus. Attracting 640 local citizens, faculty and students, the lectures served to enhance coastal and ocean literacy by engaging the public in discovery about interesting topics relevant to Long Island Sound and the global oceans.

Partners: UConn campus, Maritime Studies, American Studies, Marine Sciences, UConn Alumni

Accomplishment Quahog Bowl E/K-11; PD-15-20

Connecticut Sea Grant fosters ocean education and careers via regional National Ocean Sciences Bowl

RELEVANCE: The National Ocean Sciences Bowl, created in 1997, addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education. Using a regional / national competition framework, high school students prepare for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and become more knowledgeable citizens and environmental stewards. The Bowl’s goals are to prepare our nation’s future workforce for success in STEM careers and encourage interest in oceans and marine life. The Bowl reaches a national audience through 25 regional competitions, like the Quahog Bowl for Connecticut and Rhode Island. Regional winners compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl.RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant served as Quahog Bowl co-regional coordinator for eight years and assumed sole responsibility for regional coordination in 2015. Recruited coaches developed 16 Connecticut and Rhode Island high school competition teams. Seventy volunteers trained to run a successful and fair competition served in roles ranging from moderator, science judge and rules judge, to timekeeper, scorekeeper and runner. RESULTS: Sixteen high school teams participated in round robin and single elimination matches during the 2016 Quahog Bowl. The winning team, E.O. Smith High School from Storrs, Connecticut competed in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in Morehead City, North Carolina. The Quahog Bowl draws broad support from parents, coaches and students for creating a focus for students to pursue interests in ocean-related content. Appreciation for the competitive and positive atmosphere present is evidenced by the high rate of returning coaches and teams. Through preparation and competition, students increase content knowledge, confidence and interpersonal skills.RECAP: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant coordinated the 19th annual Quahog Bowl, the regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, which brought together 16 teams of high school

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students from Connecticut and Rhode Island and 70 trained volunteers. The winning team, E.O. Smith High School of Storrs CT, represented the bi-state region well at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl.

Partners:

PD-15-17 E/T-11 Accomplishment

Sea Grant support helps high schooler make international waves with transatlantic crossing of unmanned drifter sailboat RELEVANCE: Education of future professionals and leaders is critical to the responsible management of ocean and coastal resources. Science and engineering students benefit from opportunities to apply scientific concepts to real world settings. One such opportunity arose in a Waterford (CT) High School ocean science class. RESPONSE: A student pursuing her naval architecture interest wished to improve her understanding of the difference between surface and sail drifters. Assisted by her teacher-mentor, she built a small unmanned sailboat from a kit and equipped it with a GPA transmitter. Connecticut Sea Grant provided critical project funding, elementary students built a companion surface drifter, and NOAA scientists and partners ensured their successful deployment.RESULTS: The sailboat and drifter were launched off Martha’s Vineyard in May 2016. Followers received updates on the sailboat’s location via Twitter account @DrifterWHS. As it approached Ireland, the Irish Minster of Education spread word of the boat’s location and mission of “learning about oceanography, earth science, geography, navigation, and hope for a meaningful international experience.” The sailboat made landfall in County Galway and was recovered by an 8-year-old girl and her father in mid-September. The experience of both students received international media coverage. Connecticut Sea Grant’s Education Coordinator, attending the European Marine Science Educators Association conference in Northern Ireland, facilitated an appearance by the sailboat and the Irish family. Sea Grant provided additional funding to help refurbish the sailboat for re-launch / return trip to the U.S. coast. RECAP: With Sea Grant support, a high school student and her teacher-mentor built and launched an unmanned sailboat. Launched with a companion surface drifter, they tracked both across the Atlantic. The sailboat was recovered by a young Irish student, enabling the mission to engage students from both the U.S. and Ireland in building their understanding of ocean literacy concepts such as “one ocean”. Partners: NURTEC, Project Oceanology, Waterford High School, USCG Research & Development Center, Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, NOAA drifter program

Accomplishment R/ER-1

Sea Grant collaborative research on high school teaching and learning practices seeks to improve coastal literacy

RELEVANCE: Coastal resources provide food, jobs, and recreational activities. The Connecticut coastline, like so many others, is under threat from pollution, altered land use, and climate change. Research has shown that informed citizens are more likely to protect a resource compared to citizens who have no knowledge of the topic. The development of coastal literacy (the ability to understand, communicate and make informed decisions regarding basic coastal science principles) is vital to the protection and conservation of coastal resources. Despite the importance of coastal literacy, there are limited data on the factors that most influence success in becoming coastal literate.

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RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant is supporting a collaboration between a coastal scientist, an educational researcher and a high school biology teacher to determine what factors may contribute to coastal literacy. The effort focuses on high school biology classes, since these science courses are one of the last broad-reaching public opportunities to develop coastal literacy. By influencing coastal literacy rates at the high school level, overall future literacy rates in Connecticut can be positively affected. The researchers are determining if the inclusion of certain factors in curricula can enhance coastal literacy. Students in science classes taught by these teachers will be assessed on their knowledge of coastal processes. Teaching practices and survey information will be analyzed with student assessment results to identify factors involved and approaches that may work best in classrooms. RESULTS: The project is ongoing. A web site for this project has been created to help recruit teacher participants (http://coastalliteracy.uconn.edu).

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant is seeking ways to improve coastal literacy through the support of a collaborative project focused on high school biology teachers. The collaboration involving a coastal scientist, educational researcher and high school biology teacher are determining if inclusion of certain factors in curricula taught by high school STEM teachers can enhance coastal literacy among students.

Partners – Neag School, UConn DMS

A/E-1 IMPACT EL and Work Force Development

Connecticut Sea Grant-mentored graduate capitalizes on research and extension experiences to land career opportunity

RELEVANCE: Connecticut Sea Grant extension educators often seek to match graduate students with community-based opportunities and experiences to help them explore and develop relevant skills that meet emerging workforce needs. RESPONSE: A masters student in the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources expressed interest in strengthening his geospatial technology skills through real-world application. Mentored by his advisor, a UConn Extension geospatial specialist, and Connecticut Sea Grant’s coastal resources extension educator, and with partial support from Sea Grant, the student was challenged to develop a living shoreline suite suitability model and ESRI Story Map. RESULTS: Following graduation, the former student was offered a full-time permanent position as a geospatial analyst with a prominent Connecticut-based insurance company. He is working in the Property and Casualty Department, modeling catastrophic risk from weather-related events. The company also placed him in a one-year leadership developmental program for geospatial analytics. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant extension educators look for opportunities to match graduate student interests with applied experiences, to help students hone new skills to meet emerging workforce needs. One graduate student built on his success in applying his geospatial skills to the development of a suite suitability model for living shorelines, landing a job modeling catastrophic risk from weather-related events as a geospatial analyst with a Connecticut insurance company.

NRE, CLEAR, UConn EXTENSION, NOAA Coastal resilience Grant

M/PA-1 Accomplishment

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Connecticut Sea Grant bridges science and art, building appreciation for Long Island Sound, through Arts Award Program

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: Appreciation for, and greater awareness of, marine environments like Long Island Sound can be fostered among traditional and non-traditional Sea Grant audiences, using a variety of means.RESPONSE: In 2010, Connecticut Sea Grant initiated a small competitive arts grant program, which awards up to $1000 to an artist. Successful applicants are selected on the basis of aesthetic quality, relevance to coastal and marine environments and Connecticut Sea Grant thematic areas, as well as potential impact on non-traditional audiences through performance or exhibition. Artists living in Connecticut, or whose work is related to Connecticut’s coastal and marine environments / Long Island Sound are eligible for funding consideration. RESULTS: Connecticut Sea Grant named Anastasiia Palamarchuk, a graduate student in the Yale Fine Arts program, as the 2016 recipient. Palamarchuk’s project is researching and creating a video to tell the amazing story of Madeline “Jackie” Blair, a Bridgeport Connecticut native who stowed away on the Battleship Arizona in 1924 in order to travel to Los Angeles and become an actress. Madeline disguised herself as a sailor by stealing clothes from the crew. Discovered after five weeks when the ship was passing through the Panama Canal, she was later delivered to Long Beach, California. Her video will build upon her graduate project with a California State University Long Beach professor called “Seafaring Women.” The goal of both is to shed light on women’s role in seafaring history, particularly where women have gone to sea as pirates, stowaways, explorers, or disguised as sailors.RECAP: The 2016 recipient of Connecticut Sea Grant’s Art Award is Anastasiia Palamarchuk, a graduate student in the Yale University Fine Arts Program. Palamarchuk is researching and creating a video to tell the amazing story of Madeline “Jackie” Blair, a Bridgeport Connecticut native who stowed away on the Battleship Arizona in 1924 to travel to Los Angeles and become an actress. The video will contribute to Palamarchuk’s goal of shedding light on the role of women in seafaring history.

Accomplishment M/PA-1

Connecticut Sea Grant facilitates national marine policy fellowships; provides learning opportunity for four students

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: In 1979, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) National Sea Grant College Program initiated the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program to fulfill its broad educational responsibilities and legislative mandate to provide an educational experience in the policies and processes of the Legislative and Executive Branches of the Federal Government for students enrolled in graduate or professional programs that have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. RESPONSE: In 2016, four Connecticut applicants were awarded Knauss Fellowships through NOAA National Sea Grant. Connecticut Sea Grant managed the financial aspects of the fellowships and provided an opportunity for the finalists to become familiar with Sea Grant. One finalist worked part-time with Sea Grant on marine spatial planning before her Fellowship began. Two Fellows were placed in legislative offices (Senators Schatz and Wyden); two were placed in Executive offices - one with the US Department of Energy and one with Coastal States Organization and Army Corp’s Institute for Water Resources. RESULTS: The Fellows enhanced their professional development by participating in workshops and conferences related to career interests and by contributing to on-going initiatives within their chosen agency or office. One legislative fellow worked on the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine

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National Monument and the Coral Reef Conservation Act reauthorization while the other worked on water resources development, ocean acidification and trans-boundary fisheries management. One executive fellow worked on wind and water power while the other worked on the Community Rating System Green Guide, climate adaptation and national shoreline management.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant facilitated professional development opportunities for four graduate students awarded prestigious Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships in 2016 through NOAA National Sea Grant. Two Fellows had legislative placements with Senators Wyden and Schatz, and two were placed with the Department of Energy and Army Corps. Since the 1979 inception of the Knauss Fellowship Program, Connecticut Sea Grant has managed the financial aspects of the fellowships for 37 Connecticut graduate students.

Partners: NSGO

Accomplishment E/T-11

Connecticut Sea Grant mentor teacher science program engages 27 K-12 mentors in peer-to-peer teaching of 445 educators

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: The education of future environmental professionals and leaders is critical to the responsible use and management of our nation’s ocean and coastal resources. The omission of ocean, coastal and Great Lakes content from the National Science Education Standards resulted in a generally uninformed and apathetic public regarding the value and vulnerability of our nation's coastal resources. Successful ocean literacy programs need to address issues relevant to an array of constituents; chief among issues affecting Connecticut is the minimal amount of ocean and coastal (including Long Island Sound) topics in state and national science education frameworks.RESPONSE: In 2002, Connecticut Sea Grant’s education coordinator developed the Long Island Sound Mentor Teacher Program, recruiting high quality, respected teams of teachers to assist their peers in incorporating Long Island Sound content into curricula within the scope of Connecticut Science Frameworks. The educators create one-day workshops for peers, highlighting a theme and sharing appropriate resources and equipment with participants, while emphasizing “learning by doing”. EPA supports workshop materials and modest stipends for the mentor teachers. All workshop activities tie into state and national science standards, to enhance classroom content. Sea Grant also helped establish the same program in New York in partnership with New York Sea Grant.RESULTS: Since 2002, 33 mentor teacher workshops taught by 27 LIS mentor teachers have engaged 445 formal and informal K-12 education peers, and through them, a self-reported 24,992 students in 96 Connecticut cities, towns and regional school districts. RECAP: Since 2002, Connecticut Sea Grant’s peer-to-peer teaching model has engaged 27 K-12 mentor teachers to share with 445 peers (and more than 24,992 students by extension) how to incorporate relevant Long Island Sound science into curricula linked to state and national science standards through hands-on learning.

Partners:

Accomplishment M/PA-1

Sea Grant collaborates on after-school club bridging environmental career-minded undergraduates and elementary students

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RELEVANCE: A Groton CT third grade teacher discovered his students not only have few opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, many were conditioned to believe the outdoors is dangerous and should be avoided. An avid hiker, he participated in a local land trust hike, and discussed his concerns with a Groton Open Space Association board member who is also a UConn-Avery faculty member, campus internship coordinator and Connecticut Sea Grant Research Coordinator. RESPONSE: To alleviate student discomfort in nature, they decided to use land trust preserves for field trips. The after-school CK Explorers Club was established at the elementary school for fourth and fifth graders. The school provides teachers and busing; Sea Grant co-leads hikes at land trust preserves and coordinates college student interns interested in environmental education. The land trust provided funding for cinch packs for the students. RESULTS: Due to strong interest, the school initially held a lottery to determine student participation. Over four years, it expanded from one group of 15 students, with one teacher and one intern, to three groups of 15 students each, led by four teachers and seven interns. The club brings together diverse kids – different ethnicities, special ed and regular ed, full range of income levels, active hikers and first-time hikers. College undergraduate and graduate student interns build environmental education skills working with the explorers. Each club session runs for six weeks, with one after-school outing per week. The land trust preserves introduce students to forests, meadows, salt marshes, streams, a waterfall and kayaking, guided by New England Science and Sailing.

RECAP: Sea Grant collaborated with a local elementary school teacher to establish an after-school explorers club that introduces students to different habitats through hikes at preserves held by a local land trust. College student interns build environmental education skills working with the student explorers. The club meets weekly for six weeks and in less than four years, tripled in size to accommodate 45 fourth and fifth graders.

Partners: Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School, Groton Open Space Association, UConn-AP, NESS

Accomplishment

Connecticut Sea Grant supports workforce development with research, outreach and fellowship opportunities for 66 students

(2016 Update) RELEVANCE: The education of future environmental professionals and leaders is critical to the responsible use and management of our nation’s ocean and coastal resources. Science and engineering majors, future marine scientists and education professionals need opportunities to learn science in real world settings and apply their skills at work under the mentorship of practicing scientists. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant supports workforce development through undergraduate and graduate student involvement on research projects, development grants, and extension and communication projects. Connecticut Sea Grant also administers Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, NOAA Fisheries / Sea Grant Graduate Fellowship and NOAA Coastal Fellows Program applications and manages pass-through funding for Connecticut Knauss Fellows. RESULTS: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant provided career development opportunities for 38 new and 24 continuing undergraduate and graduate students. Active participation in research and extension projects culminated in five undergraduate, four masters, one PhD and one JD degrees. Connecticut Sea Grant also managed four Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships.

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RECAP: In 2016, Connecticut Sea Grant contributed to workforce development in marine science and policy through the funding and involvement of 62 undergraduate and graduate students on research, development, extension and communications projects, and four post-graduates through fellowship opportunities.

Healthy Coastal Ecosystems and Economy

PD-16-04 Levin Accomplishment

Connecticut Sea Grant research validates use of dry blood spot cards to measure environmental pollutants in grey seals

RELEVANCE: Since the 1980s, influenza A virus has been identified as a cause of recurrent epidemic events in several seal species, including grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). These events often occur in close association with highly polluted regions, raising suspicion that contaminant-induced immunosuppression was a contributing factor. The role of contaminant exposure in these mortality events remains unclear, with relatively little documented data on persistent organic pollutants (POP) in these populations available.RESPONSE: Between 2013 and 2016, dry blood spot cards were collected from 19 grey seal pups on Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and archived. Dry blood spot cards, a new approach in wildlife toxicology, are used to quickly and easily collect blood for analysis of blood POPs. From one blood spot card per animal, POPs (including 35 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds and pesticides used between the 1940s and 1960s) can be quantified. RESULTS: A Connecticut Sea Grant researcher successfully validated the measurement of PCBs from archived dry blood spot cards of grey seals and assessed relationships among POPs and influenza A virus status in this seal population. Grey seals infected with influenza A virus also had significantly higher concentrations of total PCBs compared to uninfected seals, suggesting that POPs may contribute to influenza A virus infections. Advantages of using dry blood spot cards include very small blood volume required, storage and shipment at ambient temperature, and long-term stability. This work helps document environmental contaminants found in marine mammals and assess whether they are contributing to increased disease susceptibility in marine mammals.RECAP: A Connecticut Sea Grant study contributed to the validation of the use of blood spot cards to quantify blood contaminants in grey seals. These data help establish baseline contaminant loads, contributing significantly to both NOAA’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program biomonitoring program and the assessment of relationships among contaminant loads, immune heath, and disease susceptibility in grey seal pups.

Partners: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Connecticut (CESE)

IMPACT– A/E-18

Sea Grant and Connecticut NEMO divert 2.15 million gallons of stormwater annually with rain gardens and tree box filters

(2016 update) RELEVANCE: With every rainfall, water runs off impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roads and parking lots, collecting pollutants along the way. Runoff has been cited by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a major source of pollution to our nation’s waterways.

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RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant and the Connecticut Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) program developed hands-on training programs, webinars, web resources and a smartphone app to teach landscape professionals, municipal officials, homeowners, and students about the effectiveness of rain gardens as a means for mitigating the deleterious effects of runoff and stormwater. Participants learn how to site, size, install, and maintain residential rain gardens. In 2015, three new rain garden trainings and installations occurred in Bridgeport, Norwich and Storrs.RESULTS: During 2016, two rain gardens were installed, totaling 900 square feet. The total area treated by these gardens is 15,150 square feet. In an average year, these installations will collectively treat about 310,460 gallons of stormwater. Since 2011, the combined environmental benefit of 20 rain garden and tree box filter installations is substantial: on average, 2.15 million gallons of runoff are diverted from stormwater systems and infiltrated into the ground annually. This diversion helps reduce local street flooding and water pollution that adversely affect downstream water bodies and coastal waters like Long Island Sound.RECAP: Twenty rain gardens and tree box filters installed by Connecticut Sea Grant and Connecticut NEMO over six years provided hands-on skills training for professionals and residents while diverting 2.15 million gallons of runoff away from stormwater systems and into the ground annually, reducing flooding and stormwater impacts.

Partners: Ashford School and Storrs Friends Meeting House in Mansfield

PD-14-02 Accomplishment

Sea Grant study of effects of road salt use on permeable pavement leads to new work on radium mobilization in groundwater

RELEVANCE: Road salt applied during winter storms prevents ice formation. Road salt chemicals enter surface and ground water impacting ground and drinking water. Salt levels in Connecticut groundwater are 10 to 100 times natural levels. Increased use of permeable asphalt to manage stormwater renews questions about how road salt chemicals travel and affect the environment.RESPONSE: A Connecticut Sea Grant development project evaluated the impact of winter salting on groundwater beneath and surrounding a permeable asphalt parking lot. During winter, substantial road salt use led to increased levels of chloride in shallow groundwater, while chloride levels were diluted in other seasons by the permeable pavement. These results led researchers to study interactions of elevated chloride levels with other compounds in groundwater, focusing on cation exchange. Cations (positively charged ions) are present in rocks and soils. An influx of sodium and calcium cations from road salt could cause cations like radium, a radioactive metal found naturally in the environment, to be released.RESULTS: Researchers found that salinity enhances radium mobilization. As radium decays, it releases carcinogenic radon gas. At monitoring sites, radium levels were detected that exceeded EPA-recommended standards for drinking water contamination. Increased groundwater salinity caused dissolved radium to migrate more readily at levels that could produce high levels of radon in the groundwater. If volatized from the water table, the radon could produce dangerous amounts of radon gas. Buildings near areas where groundwater becomes heavily salted can be impacted by radon levels exceeding indoor air quality standards.RECAP: A Connecticut Sea Grant pilot study showed that road salt applied to permeable parking lots leads to increased chloride levels in shallow groundwater. Research building on these results showed that increased chloride levels in the groundwater could interact with radium, potentially leading to the production of high levels of cancer-causing radon gas.

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Partners: UCONN CLEAR, Dep Extension, NRE

Accomplishment R/ES-26

Sea Grant research determines restored and unrestored wetland soils have similar potential capacity for nitrogen removal

RELEVANCE: Worldwide in recent years, coastal wetland preservation and restoration have increased to protect vulnerable communities from storm surge and future sea level rise and improve habitat. Along the Connecticut coast, these efforts have primarily focused on habitat improvement, with the general assumption that typical levels of wetland ecosystem functions will resume in the restored habitat. Since changes in ecosystem functions are rarely measured as part of restoration, quantified patterns of ecosystem function in natural and restored coastal wetlands and an assessment of sea level rise impacts on wetlands ecosystem function in this highly urbanized landscape would be useful. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers focused on retention of nitrogen and common urban metal contaminants as primary ecosystem functions that improve downstream water quality, and that may be particularly sensitive to saltwater inundation in urban settings. Thirty-two restored and unrestored Connecticut coastal wetlands varying in salinity and contaminant loads were sampled. Soils were analyzed for denitrification (microbial process converting reactive nitrogen to nitrogen gas), nitrogen and metal content, and cation exchange capacity (measure of soil’s capacity to retain metal and nutrient ions) to understand the wetlands’ capacity to retain metals and nutrients. RESULTS: The researchers determined that restored and unrestored wetlands have similar ecosystem function in terms of the potential capacity for wetland soils to remove nitrogen. Results suggest that over time, the capacity for restored wetlands to remove nitrogen increases. Further, since salinity may significantly suppress denitrification rates; sea level rise may reduce the beneficial nitrogen removal ecosystem function in coastal wetlands.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers studying 32 coastal wetlands determined that restored and unrestored wetlands have similar ecosystem function, in terms of the potential capacity for wetland soils to remove nitrogen. The results further suggest that over time, the capacity for restored wetlands to remove nitrogen increases, however, increased salinity due to sea level rise may suppress the beneficial nitrogen removal process function of wetlands.

Partners: UConn NRE

Accomplishment R/ES-25 (Anisfeld)

Sea Grant research examines processes of upslope inland marsh migration relative to sea-level rise

RELEVANCE: Healthy tidal marshes provide important ecosystem services like habitat, wave attenuation, and pollutant trapping. While helping make coasts more resilient – ecologically and economically – to hazards posed by storms and extreme water events, how will accelerated sea-level rise affect them? Most research on marsh responses to sea-level rise has focused on the vertical development of the marsh surface at individual locations within the marsh, suggesting that many marshes will experience drowning (submergence and vegetation loss) in the future. These marshes will need to move upslope to thrive in the coming decades.

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RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers studied lateral movement or migration of marshes into surrounding uplands. As sea-level rises, marshes can colonize newly wet areas and expand inland while also drowning. While marshes are expected to move upslope with sea-level rise, there is no real sense of how quickly that can happen, if it depends on the upland, or how it can be facilitated. The researchers examined processes of marsh migration into both woodlands and lawns to improve understanding of these issues.RESULTS: Marshes have been migrating upslope at roughly the rate of sea-level rise over the last 50 years, however different aspects of marsh structure and function migrate at different rates. Migration proceeds more quickly when the upland is lawn than when it is wooded. Migration into woodlands and lawns looks very different in terms of type of favored marsh vegetation and other aspects of the process. No-mow zones in lawns bordering marshes can facilitate marsh migration. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant research investigated the ability of marshes to migrate upslope and inland in the face of sea-level rise. Their findings showed that lateral migration of Connecticut marshes over the last 50 years roughly equaled the rate of sea-level rise. Migration into woodlands and lawns looks very different in terms of the type of marsh vegetation that is favored and other aspects of the migration process. No-mow zones in lawns bordering marshes can facilitate marsh migration.

Partners – Yale University, Tufts University, CT DEEP Parks

Accomplishment R/ES-25 (Anisfeld)

Sea Grant research on upslope inland marsh migration relative to sea-level rise offers guidance for resource managers

RELEVANCE: Healthy tidal marshes provide important ecosystem services like habitat, wave attenuation, and pollutant trapping. While helping make coasts more resilient – ecologically and economically – to hazards posed by storms and extreme water events, how will accelerated sea-level rise affect them? Most research on marsh responses to sea-level rise has focused on the vertical development of the marsh surface at individual locations within the marsh, suggesting that many marshes will experience drowning (submergence and vegetation loss) in the future. These marshes will need to move upslope to thrive in the coming decades. Coastal planning has begun incorporating marsh migration potential, but is based on relatively simplistic models that do not include migration processes studies. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers studied lateral movement or migration of marshes into surrounding uplands. As sea-level rises, marshes can colonize newly wet areas and expand inland while also drowning. While marshes are expected to move upslope with sea-level rise, there is no real sense of how quickly it can happen, if it depends on the upland, or how it can be facilitated. The researchers examined processes of marsh migration into both woodlands and lawns to improve understanding of these issues.RESULTS: The researchers offered several suggestions for resource managers, based on their results. Managers should 1) recognize that newly-forming (transitional) marsh may look like ‘regular’ marsh in some ways but not in others; 2) expect marsh migration to continue in both woodlands and lawns; 3) prioritize low-slope lawns for protection as marsh migration areas; and 4) created no-mow zones in marsh-bordering lawns. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers investigated the ability of marshes to migrate upslope and inland in the face of sea-level rise. Based on their findings, they suggest managers should recognize that newly-forming marsh may resemble ‘regular’ marsh in some ways but not in others and that marsh

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migration will continue in both woodlands and lawn. Further, low-slope lawns should be prioritized for protection as marsh migration areas and no-mow zones created for marsh-bordering lawns.

Partners – Yale University, Tufts University, CT DEEP Parks

Accomplishment PD-15-05 Boyer

Sea Grant study finds climate adaptation leadership varies among Connecticut towns due to location, size and resources

RELEVANCE: International coordination is essential to making meaningful cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and climate-smart infrastructure decisions. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that at the state level, communities have unique needs which must be met to effectively adapt to climate change. While climate adaptation has taken hold in many communities around the Northeastern United States, other communities are lagging behind in adaptation planning, leaving them vulnerable. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant supported a pilot project to examine the impact of policy leadership on climate adaptation planning. Undergraduate students reviewed research on leadership and then interviewed town officials in 12 Connecticut towns to determine how much leadership contributes to the presence or lack of adaptation strategies across a variety of contexts. Varying in geography, population density, and community culture, the towns represented a microcosm of Connecticut. RESULTS: The following themes emerged across the interview data: leadership plays a strong role in the presence / absence of climate adaptation at the community level; cities are more likely to have strong adaptation policies in place because their larger populations yield more community climate champions and they may have more resources than smaller communities; inland communities are more focused on resiliency strategies like tree trimming and less focused on climate adaptation and issues like flooding and storm surges; coastal communities have implemented more adaptation strategies compared to inland communities, since they are already facing flooding, sea level rise, and storm surge problems and are further motivated by monetary damages that may result from climate change.RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant supported a pilot study that enabled undergraduate students to understand the impact of policy leadership on climate adaptation planning. By interviewing town officials in 12 diverse communities, they determined that community leadership plays a strong role in the presence or absence of climate adaptation, further affected by factors such as proximity to the coast, size, resources, and previous experience with climate-related hazards.

Dept of Geography, CLEAR

Accomplishment PD-15-03

Connecticut Sea Grant study evaluates public support for wetland expansion as Bridgeport, CT adapts to sea-level rise

RELEVANCE: The most diverse city in Connecticut, Bridgeport is also very vulnerable to natural hazards. Industrialization affected nearly 86 percent of its wetlands, and in 2050 sea-level rise is expected to reach 0.7 ft. During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, many city residents were evacuated and/or lost their homes. Adverse social / economic factors include 18% of households living below the poverty line and a majority of adults without a high school degree. More than 700 acres of brownfields are located in residential areas and several State Special Concern bird and plant species are threatened. Ecosystem

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preservation could help protect Bridgeport from adverse weather events and climate-related changes, however, environmental economics studies often suggest that low-income groups tend to put a low value on ecosystem conservation. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant supported a pilot project in Bridgeport whereby researchers examined people’s willingness to support saltmarsh expansion for wildlife habitat, as part of climate change adaptation actions. They analyzed how low-income and low-education groups choose between public spaces and bird species conservation. Methods included focus groups, a choice-experiment approach and Latent Class Analysis based on socio-demographic variables. Surveys took place at the local Department of Motor Vehicles office with 500 individuals.RESULTS: Many Bridgeport residents would vote to support saltmarsh expansion if high quality habitat, economic attributes, and recreational assets (beach and sports field protection) were also supported. The typical respondent would be willing to trade a plan protecting 300 homes and 110 acres of restored brownfield lands for one allowing saltmarsh expansion (>350 acres) to support wildlife. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers piloted a study of Bridgeport (CT) residents’ willingness to support saltmarsh expansion for wildlife habitats, as part of climate change adaptation actions. They analyzed how low- income and low-education groups choose between public spaces vs. bird species conservation. Many residents would vote for saltmarsh expansion supporting threatened bird species, if the adaptation actions also helped sustain more homes, protect beaches, recover brownfields and create jobs.

Partners – ARE, City of Bridgeport

Accomplishment A/E-1

Connecticut Sea Grant partners to offer training program in sustainable landscaping practices to protect coastal waters

2016 Update (RELEVANCE: Clean water is the foundation of a healthy Long Island Sound (LIS). The condition of the Sound depends on the quality of the waters draining from the landscapes surrounding it. Despite improvements, LIS still suffers from hypoxic "dead zones," beach closures, and other effects of contamination that keeps the Sound from meeting water quality standards. Addressing these issues requires integrated research and outreach approaches to address polluted stormwater and ground water, and integrates land use planning that protects water resources, among others.RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant, with support from the EPA Long Island Sound Study and in conjunction with the UConn Master Gardener Program, developed the Coastal Certificate Program (Sound Gardening--Sustainable Landscaping for Clean Waters) in 2013. The program offers 15 hours of lectures covering current environmental issues unique to Connecticut coastal waters and Long Island Sound, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions to nutrient, chemical and water-intensive landscaping. It is designed to generate ambassadors of alternative landscaping practices for Connecticut coastal and watershed residents with a required outreach component that is geared specifically to spreading the word through projects, talks, or educational materials.RESULTS: Since its inception in 2013, the Coastal Certificate Program has trained 121 individuals who have met their outreach obligations by logging more than 1,000 volunteer hours, organizing and hosting 48 public talks/walks, undertaking several local stewardship projects, distributing 1000s of informational materials, and reaching an estimated 10,290 community residents.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant partnered to train ambassadors of alternative landscaping practices for Connecticut coastal and watershed residents, focused on water quality issues related to land use,

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stormwater management, and nonpoint source pollution; since 2013 121 participants have logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours, organized 48 public presentations or walks, undertaken several stewardship projects, distributed 1000s of publications, and shared their new knowledge with an estimated 10,290 community members.

Partners: UCONN Master Gardener, EPA LISS

Accomplishment M/PA-1; A/E-1 Sea Grant co-leads effort to utilize marine spatial planning as tool in development of Long Island Sound management plan (2016 Update) RELEVANCE: Long Island Sound is a significant environmental, economic, cultural and recreational resource. Marine Spatial Planning is a science-based comprehensive planning tool that considers human uses and natural resources in guiding management decisions. The Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 15-66, “An Act Concerning a Long Island Sound Blue Plan and Resource and Use Inventory”, providing the State with both the authority and a mandate to develop a marine spatial “Blue Plan” by 2019 to guide Connecticut’s management of the Sound, in conjunction with New York.RESPONSE: As mandated in the Blue Plan legislation, Connecticut Sea Grant, on behalf of the University of Connecticut, is leading the sub-committee tasked with preparing a resource and use inventory to inform the Blue Plan. Sea Grant successfully applied for several grants to help fund new staff working on this effort.RESULTS: A Vision and Goals have been drafted and reviewed by the public. A 2017 Knauss Fellowship finalist worked with Sea Grant to develop a framework and approach for creating an initial inventory of existing relevant data. A former Connecticut Coastal Management Fellow is collating information on these datasets and reviewing them for completeness, and ease of integration with other data through Geographic Information Systems for map development. Representatives of key stakeholder groups were identified and Sea Grant staff contributed to a stakeholder engagement process development and overall public outreach. Meetings with stakeholder groups, like the shellfish industry, have begun. RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant is co-leading the strategic response to the 2015 Connecticut legislation that authorizes and mandates the use of marine spatial planning in the development of a comprehensive management “Blue Plan” for Long Island Sound by 2019. The effort involves private sector entities, NGOs and state and local governments. Partners: DEEP, TNC, UConn Private sector entities, NGOs and state and local government officials. Accomplishment R/LR-25

Sea Grant research on how heat waves affect a primary food source for larval fish has future implications for fisheries

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RELEVANCE: Since the 1940s, Long Island Sound waters have increased 2 degrees C, affecting cold-blooded marine copepods like Acartia tonsa. Heat waves, prolonged periods of above-average temperature, are increasing in frequency and duration in the Sound. Heat wave effects on A. tonsa, the primary zooplankton food source for larval fish in the Sound, could harm the food chain. RESPONSE: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers studied how A. tonsa populations respond to seasonal heat waves. They compared the ability of individual copepods to acclimatize during their life cycle of several weeks to their evolutionary adaptation (genetic changes across generations) in response to heat waves. They tested how the copepods respond to temperature, whether the effects of heat waves carry on to the next generation of A. tonsa, and how heat wave timing and duration affected the population. This information helps evaluate species vulnerability to projected increases in extreme climatic events due to climate change.RESULTS: The results showed that individual copepods showed some ability to acclimatize to temperature, and that the effects of heat waves that occur early in the season are mitigated. However, if heat waves occur during peak or late in the season, the next generation of copepods suffer detrimental effects. The timing of heat waves is critical to predicting the fate of populations. The researchers’ new framework to ascertain the effects of heat waves on plankton populations can be used to model populations throughout their season; the timing and intensity of heat waves are important to predicting the fate of future copepod generations.

RECAP: Connecticut Sea Grant researchers examined the effects of heat waves on a copepod species in Long Island Sound that is a primary food source for larval fish. They discovered that individual copepods showed some ability to acclimatize to heat waves during their short life cycle, but that detrimental effects on future generations of copepods occurred based on the timing and intensity of the heat waves.

Partners –UConn EEB, DMS

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