Florida Sea Grant's research priorities for 2012-2013 were developed in a comprehensive strategic planning process that included a survey of over 700 Florida stakeholders and residents and a 2-day planning workshop where representatives from universities, research laboratories, federal and state agencies and the private sector identified priority goals and strategies.

Faculty interested in addressing this opportunity for Florida Sea Grant funding in 2012-2013 must respond to one or more of the priorities identified below under the four strategic focus areas. The priorities stem directly from the short to mid-term outcomes identified on pages 14-17 of the Strategic Plan. Linkages among them may be possible. We are not inviting extension or education proposals, however, collaborative planning of research projects with extension agents, resource management agencies or the private sector are strongly encouraged.

Please note that we are not requesting any proposals dealing with aquaculture because we anticipate that, as in 2010, projects in that area will be covered under a separate national RFP.

4. Priority Research Areas

Faculty interested in addressing this opportunity for Florida Sea Grant funding in 2012-2013 must respond to one or more of the priorities identified below under the four strategic focus areas.  Linkages among them may be possible. We are not inviting extension or education proposals, however, collaborative planning of research projects with extension agents, resource management agencies or the private sector are strongly encouraged.

HEALTHY COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

Ecosystem health and sustainability will determine the future of the state's environment and will nurture a myriad of societal values that include recreational and commercial fisheries, recreational boating and diving, beach-related recreation, tourism, and nature observation. However, increasingly rapid coastal development, overfishing, and other human activities are leading to congestion, water quality degradation, declines in fish stocks, shoreline erosion and loss of critical habitat - thereby threatening the sustainability of the coast and ultimately the quality of life of Florida citizens. There is a critical need for social science information and planning to evaluate and reduce human-related stresses affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. We expect that the PI will work with an agency and/or coastal communities to ensure that the results are used to meet the stated objectives.

Priorities:

1.   Develop and test innovative social marketing or other methods of public engagement that will reduce human impacts to coastal and marine biota and habitats.

2.   Develop and/or evaluate the effectiveness of models, policies or technologies to support ecosystem-based adaptive management of fisheries and other marine resources. Interdisciplinary work that links biology with other disciplines including social sciences and economics is particularly encouraged.

SUSTAINABLE AND HAZARD RESILIENT COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Coastal communities provide vital economic, social and recreational opportunities for millions of Floridians and tens of millions of visitors to the state each year. Yet, decades of population migration have transformed our coasts and intensified the demand for finite coastal and marine resources. The changes associated with increased development are placing tremendous pressure on habitat, water quality and supply, public access and traditional ways of life. Hurricanes and other natural hazards create additional stress for communities that also face challenges from sea level rise and other effects of climate change. Florida Sea Grant will support the best available science to help communities become more sustainable and hazard resilient. We expect that the PI will work with an agency or coastal communities to ensure that the results are used to meet the stated objectives.

Priorities:

1.   Develop and test innovative social marketing or other methods of public engagement that will result in more sustainable use of resources among coastal residents.

2.   Develop and test innovative planning tools, policies and guidelines that agencies or communities can use to increase their sustainability and resilience to hazards such as hurricanes or storm surge.

SEAFOOD PRODUCTION AND SAFETY

The rising demand for fish and rapidly increasing fishing activity have increased the pressure on Florida's limited fishery resources, resulting in adverse impacts on fish populations and a need for more effective recreational and commercial fisheries management. Florida's tropical waters, high production, and huge imported fish market create significant and recurring issues about aquatic food product safety and quality. These challenges require directed research to ensure the sustainability, safety, diversity and quality of both Florida and imported seafood products. We expect that the PI will work with an agency and/or industry to ensure that the results are used to meet the stated objec-tives. Note: we anticipate that, as was the case in 2010, there will be a separate call for proposals dealing with aquaculture in 2011 or 2012, and therefore are not requesting proposals in that area at this time.

Priorities:

1.  Develop and test models to evaluate efficacy of different methods or policies for sustainably managing marine fisheries.

2.  Develop and test methods to evaluate seafood product source and quality and to support informed choices among seafood consumers.

CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPACTS AND ADAPTATIONS

Florida is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its low topography, concentration of residents and assets along the coast, and strong dependence on coastal and marine ecosystems to support its economy. Sea level rise in particular is expected to have major socio-economic impacts to Florida coastal communities and will require proactive science-based adaptation strategies. Florida Sea Grant will support the necessary research to create a citizenry that is informed about sea level rise and that collectively takes strategic, reasoned and effective actions to minimize impacts. We expect that the PI will work with an agency and/or coastal communities to ensure that the results are used to meet the stated objectives.

Priorities:

1.  Develop and test innovative processes and/or tools for communities to make informed decisions regarding adaptations to sea level rise.

2.  Quantify the socio-economic costs and benefits of different adaptation strategies.

Proceed to Preparing Statement of Interest