Climate Change in Delaware and Around the World

Leading off the 2021 Ocean Currents lecture series, Dan Leathers, state climatologist, presents on the basics of what is driving climate change and the impacts it is having in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic compared with other experiences around the world.

How Offshore Wind Could Advance a Just Energy Transition

Cristina Archer and Jeremy Firestone of UD’s Center for Research in Wind discuss both the electricity generating potential of offshore wind and the societal factors determining whether, how and where offshore wind farms get built.

Fleeing Fish

As ocean warming causes fish stocks to migrate toward cooler waters to maintain their preferred thermal environment, many of the nations that rely on commercial fish species as an integral part of their economy could suffer.

Climate Change & Delaware

At Delaware Sea Grant, we're giving communities the tools they need to prepare for climate change and supporting projects that help us better understand how climate change will impact Delaware.

The Rising Tide: Are We Prepared?

Sea level rise over the next century will inundate portions of coastal states, requiring some kind of adaptation from local populations. In this talk, John Callahan of the Delaware Geological Survey shares the sea level rise projections he has developed for the state, and Phil Barnes, of the Institute for Public Administration in the Biden School of Public Policy, addresses options communities have to deal with rising waters.

Community Resilience and Coastal Flooding

Delaware Sea Grant’s coastal hazards specialist, Danielle Swallow, discusses the threats facing towns, infrastructure and populations because of increased coastal flooding. Swallow also provides practical information about how individuals and communities can prepare to better weather the next incident.

Coastal Observer

Much to the ire of many Delawareans, the flooding of roads and properties has become increasingly common in low-lying areas throughout the state. Nor’easters—storms that form along the East Coast of North America—can be a major cause of coastal flooding. With nor’easters most likely to occur between September and April, we are entering the time of year when coastal storms become more of a concern.

15 Second Science — Oil Spills

This series of #15SecondScience videos focusing on oil spills addresses many questions: What happens if humans don't intervene quick enough? How do scientists determine the origin of an oil spill? What happens to oil collected from a spill on the beach? And most practically, how do you stay safe and report an oil spill if you spot one?

15 Second Science — Storms and Flooding

In these recent #15SecondScience episodes, you can learn about common storms in the region, as well as area flooding, which can be caused by either storm surge or tides.

Do you have a storm story to share?

Check out the Tell Your Story section of Coast Day 2021!

Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) are hi-tech boats that operate on the surface of the water without a crew. In this episode of #SeaTalk, learn more about these types of drones, as well as efforts underway by the University of Delaware to try to better unlock their capabilities and discover how and in what areas they work best.

Ocean Salinity

You probably already know that the ocean is salty. What you might not know, however, is that the salinity of ocean water can actually help researchers infer information about climate change and variability. Learn more in this month's episode of #SeaTalk!

How Big was the Megalodon?

Just how big was the prehistoric megalodon? Chris Petrone gives some handy equivalents in this episode of 15 Second Science to help you wrap your head around just how gigantic this creature was.

Megalodon Extinction

Shark Week brings with it the tales of megalodon sightings and divers who have spent their lives searching for this prehistoric shark - but we promise it's extinct! Chris Petrone lays out the evidence for how scientists can be so sure that a lone megalodon isn't hiding in the ocean's depths.

15 Second Science: Sharks

Sharks are fascinating animals. Learn more about these interesting (and terrifying!) fish, including local Delaware sharks, by checking out our 15 Second Science playlist.

Sea Talk: Sharks

Interested in even more shark content? Check out our Sea Talk playlist on sharks, including a focus on dogfish and sand tiger sharks, species found in Delaware waters!

Apex Predators in the Delaware Bay

Drs. Aaron Carlisle and Edward Hale are studying the ecology of the Sandbar and Sand Tiger Shark to understand the ecological role they play in the Delaware Bay ecosystem. Learn more on our official research project page

Project VIDEO

Check out our collection of 15 Second Science videos about the deep biosphere and sub-seafloor life, in partnership with the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI).

Water Security Overview

As coastal regions face increasing challenges from sea level rise, more frequent and intense storms, groundwater pollution and more, scientists and policy makers need to understand how the environment is changing and what people can do about it. Holly Michael and Leah Palm-Forster, faculty members at the University of Delaware, share some of what they and colleagues have learned as part of a multi-year effort to learn how these environmental changes could affect the security of water supply, in both its quality and quantity.

Dead Zone in the Delaware River

Areas of low oxygen in the water create spaces where most aquatic life cannot survive, areas colloquially known as dead zones. Such areas occur in summer in vital waterbodies throughout the country, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Bay. In this talk, hear from CEOE professor emeritus David Kirchman, who just released a book on dead zones for general audiences, and Jerry Kauffman, director of the Water Resources Center at the University of Delaware Biden School for Public Policy.

Water Quality Impacts from our Wastewater

Scott Andres of the Delaware Geological Survey and Bill Ullman, professor at the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy, discuss how wastewater from communities and private residences affect water quality and how the environment handles pollution that isn’t addressed through wastewater treatment.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on almost 2.5 billion acres of the nation’s U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). 

These responsibilities include managing offshore oil and gas exploration and development activities and overseeing the development of renewable energy resources – primarily offshore wind – in federal waters. BOEM also manages non-energy marine minerals (sand, gravel, etc.) on the OCS, which are used primarily for coastal protection and restoration projects to help build coastal resilience. 

BOEM’s activities are underlain by our robust environmental program, which ensures that science-based environmental protection is at the forefront of our decision making. In addition, BOEM also solicits public comments from a host of stakeholders and ocean users to help inform safe and responsible offshore resource management.  

FACT SHEETS
About BOEM
Environment
Marine Minerals
Oil and Gas Energy
Renewable Energy

The Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, Inc. (DEMEC) advances the principles of public power community ownership and provide competitive, reliable energy supply and services to its members’ communities in Delaware. DEMEC is able to accomplish its mission through active representation and participation in regional and federal arenas. Learn more at DEMEC’s official website.

Delaware Center for the Inland Bays

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to “preserve, protect, and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed.” The Center is also part of the National Estuary Program, which is an ecosystem-based network of 28 organizations that are designated as estuaries of national significance. In 2020, the Center launched two projects focused on the Diamondback terrapin turtle and now invites Coast Day participants to be among the first to embark on a virtual tour highlighting the Center's efforts to study and protect this iconic species.

DWRC

The University of Delaware Water Resources Center (DWRC), established in 1965, is one of the 54 National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWRs) at land-grant universities in the 50 states, District of Columbia and island territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The DWRC receives funding through Section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, which was originally signed into law by Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964. The U.S. Geological Survey administers the provisions of the Act and provides oversight of the nation’s Water Resources Centers through the National Institute of Water Resources (NIWR).

As a member of the NIWR, the DWRC has two key missions related to Delaware’s water resources – our precious groundwater aquifers and our streams, ponds, lakes, and coastal waters:

• To support research, education, and public outreach programs that focus on water supply, water management, and water quality – issues of considerable importance to Delaware citizens who are concerned about the future of our water resources. We are specifically charged with the “exploration of new ideas that address water problems or expand our understanding of water-related phenomena.”

• To foster and support training and education programs for the future water scientists, engineers, managers, and policy-makers who will lead the water resources research, planning, and management efforts in our state in the future.

For more information please contact:
Dana E. Veron, Associate Professor - Director, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies dveron@udel.edu
or
Nan Stidham, Executive Director SMArtSummer
nan@cabsummer.org

and Download a Flyer about Eco Camp

The Inland Bays Foundation

We are a grassroots environmental advocacy organization supporting restoration of Delaware’s Inland Bays: Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay. Visit our website to download a free Citizen's Guide to Environmental Advocacy in Delaware.  We hope you enjoy our short video and will visit our Facebook page and that of the Friends of Holts Landing State Park on the Indian River Bay.

Miss Mermaid Delaware

Mermaid Tasha is Miss Mermaid Delaware 2019-2020! She uses her voice as a professional mermaid and as a Miss Mermaid USA queen to help promote marine conservation and bring awareness to people that otherwise might be unaware of the impacts their daily lives have on our watersheds. For Coast Day 2020, Mermaid Tasha is bringing you a turtle-y awesome arts and crafts and story time combo focusing on turtles!

For more information, visit Mermaid Tasha’s official website.

Paddle Coastal Delaware

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, Paddle Coast Delaware’s tips 16 resources and tips will give you a taste of the unique landscape and natural beauty of coastal Delaware.

Designed by experienced paddlers, tourism professionals and outdoor guides, Paddle Coastal Delaware’s printable map offer a medley of sojourns through marsh, woodlands, bay or ocean.

Delaware Center for the Inland Bays

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to “preserve, protect, and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed.” The Center is also part of the National Estuary Program, which is an ecosystem-based network of 28 organizations that are designated as estuaries of national significance. In 2003, the Center launched its Oyster Gardening Program, a restoration effort that brings scientists and residents together to restore local American oysters in the Inland Bays, and  invites Coast Day participants to be among the first to watch a new video highlighting the Center's efforts to raise oysters for use in various restoration or research projects throughout the Inland Bays.

Delaware Public Media

Delaware Public Media is the first and only public media news service founded in Delaware and dedicated to covering the unique issues, events, personalities, and culture of Delaware, including coverage of stories involving, science, health, medicine, technology and the environment. Check out some recent stories from Delaware Public Media below that focus on environmental and marine science topics:

Sussex County residents dealing with armyworm infestation

Delaware sues Monsanto over PCB damage to the state

First State seeing an uptick in West Nile Virus

Is flood risk increasing in Wilmington?

Rescues and evacuations in northern Delaware as Ida remnants cause record flooding

Water quality, habitat and recreation projects announced in Delaware River watershed

Fuel spill at Millsboro power plant kills 90 birds

Proposed ordinance could shape future of electric vehicle charging in New Castle County

ECO Camp

Summer opportunity from the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and SMArtSummer

The University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and Cab Calloway School of the Arts/Charter School of Wilmington’s SMArtSummer camp are excited to announce our new ECO Camp! Formerly called TIDE camp, this new program consists of two separate weeks and is now open to students as young as rising 8th graders.

Just as Coast Day showcases how University of Delaware scientists, staff, and students are improving our understanding of ocean environments, our program offers a week of hands-on programing focusing on the atmospheric, oceanic, and biogeochemical processes at work in the Delaware Bay.

Students will gain an understanding of sea breeze, tides, habitat loss, species adaptation, saltwater marsh filtration, sediment transport, beach erosion due to storm activity and the use of robotics in a marine environment. The camp will also address regional/local climate change, mitigation/adaptation opportunities, local impacts and strategies, and alternative energy. Information about UD program offerings will also be included.

For more information please contact: Dana E. Veron, Associate Professor - Director, Climate Change Science and Policy Hub at dveron@udel.edu
or Nan Stidham, Executive Director SMArtSummer at nan@cabsummer.org

Download a Flyer about Eco Camp

Ensign Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Become a Coast Day 2022 Partner

Thank you for your interest in joining Coast Day as a partner! There are three ways you can get involved: as a sponsor, as a food vendor, or as an educational exhibitor. If you have any questions after reading the information below, please contact Mark Jolly-Van Bodegraven at markjvb@udel.edu or 302-379-9650.

As a sponsor

Sponsors play an integral role in allowing us to hold the best possible event. There are also many recognition opportunities for sponsors during Coast Day and the weeks leading up to it. Sponsorship levels and benefits are explained below.

As a food vendor

For a flat rate of $400, food vendors can set up the morning of Coast Day and serve attendees. Water and/or electricity may be provided but must be requested at time of registration and vendors are responsible for their own hoses and extension cords. It is the responsibility of all food vendors to secure their own Division of Public Health temporary food permit.  Registrations after Sept. 9 will incur a $50 late fee. Instead of an exhibit table, food vendors who choose to sponsor the event for $500 or more have their registration to serve food waived.

As an educational exhibitor

External partners may reserve space for an educational display at Coast Day. Exhibit content should relate to an environmental theme, and the University of Delaware has the final decision on whether such material is appropriate and may be displayed at Coast Day. Exhibitors will be in a separate section with approximately 10 square feet of space, a table and two chairs. No electricity is available, and partners are responsible for providing their own tent, should they want one. No sales of any kind may be made at partner exhibits, including raffle tickets. The cost to become an educational exhibitor is $25. Registrations after Sept. 9 will incur a $25 late fee. (Political parties can exhibit about their views about our state’s vital natural resources in a specific area. The registration fee is the same, but there is a special partner category in the form below.)

Coast Day 2022 Partner Sign-Up Form

All registrations due no later than Sept. 23. Except for sponsors, registrations after Sept. 9 will incur a late fee.

Help Delaware Clean Up!

Marine debris mostly comes from land-based sources such as littering, improper or ineffective waste management, and stormwater runoff. Marine debris can threaten wildlife, tourism, human health and food safety. Click here to learn how to help keep Delaware’s marine debris at bay by cleaning up on land!

Delaware Nurdle Patrol

A nurdle is a tiny plastic pellet that serves as the raw material used to manufacture plastic products. They wash up on beaches all around the world. Have nurdles found their way to Delaware’s shores? Download this PDF for instructions and help us find out!

Four Senses Scavenger Hunt

Fall is a great time to explore outside. Use your senses to find these things in your neighborhood, schoolyard, or backyard. Remember: Do not pick anything up unless you have an adult’s permission! Click here to learn more about our Four Sense Scavenger Hunt

Outdoor Explorer Scavenger Hunt

Fall is a great time to explore outside. Use your observation skills to find these 10 items in your neighborhood, schoolyard, or backyard. Remember: Do not pick anything up unless you have an adult’s permission! Click here to get instructions on the Outdoor Explorer Scavenger Hunt

Dogfish Shark Model

This full-color 3-D model can be assembled with tape in approximately 15 minutes and is a great way to learn more about the most common shark species on the U.S. East Coast.

Copies are free to Delaware schoolteachers for classroom use.

LEGO Boat Build

Show us your original, most creative LEGO boat! Your boat can be big, small, or somewhere in between. Feeling extra creative? Build your own fleet! Click here to learn more and download last year’s instructions using this document (PDF)