Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@mass.gov. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter.
All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Highlights
Northeast Ocean Plan Update - The Northeast Regional Ocean Planning Body (RPB)—a group with representatives from six New England states, six federally recognized tribes, nine federal agencies, and the New England Fishery Management Council—released the Northeast Ocean Plan in December 2016 following several years of public engagement, scientific study, and data analysis, along with collaboration and feedback from stakeholders. CZM Director Bruce Carlisle and Division of Marine Fisheries Director David Pierce serve as the Massachusetts delegates to the planning body. As part of the plan’s implementation process and to further gain stakeholder and technical input, the RPB held a fall meeting in November to review and obtain feedback on new data products related to commercial fishing, marine transportation, recreation, marine life, ecological importance, and other ocean planning topics. The meeting also included important discussion and feedback on implementation and use of the plan to date, improving coordination and identifying priorities for 2018. The information gained will inform how the Northeast Ocean Data Portal is updated and guide potential next steps. See the Ocean Planning in the Northeast website for more information about the planning process, the data portal, or to download the entire Northeast Ocean Plan (PDF, 112 MB) or separate chapters.
6th Annual Great Marsh Sea Level Rise Symposium - On November 9, the Great Marsh Coalition held the 6th Annual Great Marsh Sea Level Rise Symposium, Great Marsh Resiliency: Putting the Plan into Action! at Woodman’s of Essex. This year’s event featured a keynote address by Katie Theoharides, Assistant Secretary of Climate Change at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the public unveiling of the Great Marsh Coastal Adaptation and Resiliency Plan, and panel discussions on how communities make the critical transition from planning to implementation. The popular annual event attracted more than 150 participants from the Great Marsh area and surrounding communities. For more information about the Great Marsh and the 2017 symposium presentations, see the Great Marsh Coalition website.
National Estuary Program Conference in Boston - From November 2-5, Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MassBays) teamed up with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 to host the National Estuary Program (NEP) 2017 Fall Tech Transfer Meeting in Boston. Representatives from 23 NEPs, as well as EPA staff from around the country, gathered to share innovative approaches and best practices for meeting the mandates of Section 320 of the Clean Water Act, the section establishing the estuary program and reauthorized by Congress in 2016. The event, which included field trips to stream restoration and environmental recovery projects in the southeastern region of the state, attracted 80 participants over the course of four days. Here in Massachusetts, CZM hosts two NEPs: Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) and MassBays. BBNEP works to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its watershed. MassBays works collaboratively with citizens and researchers to characterize local coastal resources, while emphasizing municipalities’ role in protecting and restoring Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay. For more information on how NEPs work to protect and restore coastal habitats, check out this short video.
Thank You COASTSWEEP Volunteers! - CZM offers a sincere thanks to the many volunteers who turned out for COASTSWEEP, the annual statewide coastal cleanup sponsored by CZM. Cleanups were held from September to mid-November and results are still flowing in. Data have been compiled from many of the cleanups so far, showing that 1,510 volunteers cleaned 70 locations, covered over 139 miles of coastline and removed 14,906 pounds of trash. The final tally, which will continue to grow as the rest of the cleanups are tabulated, will be reported in the January CZ-Mail.
CZM Staff and People
Assistant Director - In November, Lisa Berry Engler was named Assistant CZM Director, stepping up from her previous role as Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator. Having worked as a regional coordinator, Lisa brings extensive experience in technical assistance, port and harbor planning, waterfront planning and development, coastal resilience planning and projects, and public access issues. Previously, Lisa held positions at CZM’s MassBays National Estuary Program—including a period as Acting Director and as the MetroBoston/Outreach Coordinator, as well as worked within the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Areas of Critical Environmental Concern Program and the Department of Transportation. When Lisa's not in the coastal zone you may find her running or cycling along the banks of the Charles River. Lisa’s exemplary track record in managing coastal resources for the Commonwealth will serve her well in her new role as CZM’s Assistant Director. Congratulations, Lisa!
Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants - EPA is soliciting proposals for the FY 2018 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants from eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to develop environmental programs that recruit, train, and place unemployed and under-employed residents of communities affected by brownfields and other environmental contaminants with the skills needed to secure full-time, sustainable employment in the environmental field. For details, see EPA’s funding opportunity or view the grant description on grants.gov. Proposals are due December 15.
Environmental Literacy Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education is seeking applications for projects designed to strengthen the public’s and/or K-12 student’s environmental literacy to improve community resilience to extreme weather events and environmental changes. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, including nonprofits, museums, zoos, aquariums, along with state and local governments. Proposed projects should be between two and five years in duration and have a total budget of $250,000 to $500,000. For details, see NOAA’s Environmental Literacy Grants web page. The deadline for pre-applications is December 19. Full applications are due April 6, 2018.
Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program - The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), FedEx, and Southern Company, are soliciting applications for the 2018 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. Awards, which will range from $20,000 to $50,000, will be granted to projects that improve water quality, watersheds, and the species and habitats they support, while providing targeted community outreach, education, and stewardship. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Indian tribes, and educational institutions. For more information, including contacts and instructions, see the tip sheet. Grant projects should span 12 to 18 months with a start date in July 2018. Full proposals are due by January 31, 2018.
Massachusetts Trails Grants - DCR is currently seeking applications for the Recreational Trails Program, which provides grants from $2,000 to $50,000 for a variety of trail protection, construction, and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. DCR is also accepting applications for Recreational Trails Program - Education Grants, which provide funding for statewide trail education initiatives. For more information on these grant programs, contact Amanda Lewis at amanda.lewis@state.ma.us. Applications are due by February 1, 2018.
Reminders - These opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, is still available:
- Foster Scholarship Program - NOAA is seeking applications for the 2018 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, which encourages independent graduate level research, particularly by female and minority students, in NOAA mission-related sciences of oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology, and ocean and coastal resource management. The scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend, and travel funds to support collaboration at a national marine sanctuary field office or NOAA office. See the Frequently Asked Questions page for details. Completed applications must be received by December 8.
- Massachusetts Environmental Trust—Drive for a Better Environment Grants Program - The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is now seeking proposals for the 2019 Drive for a Better Environment Grants Program for projects that protect endangered marine animals and activities that restore and improve critical aquatic ecosystems in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and municipalities and funding amounts typically range from $10,000 to $75,000. For more information, to view the Request for Response (RFR), and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website. A question and answer period closes December 14 and full proposals are due December 15 for projects that will begin in July 2018.
- Marine Debris Prevention Funding - The NOAA Marine Debris Program is seeking proposals for Marine Debris Prevention Grants for projects supporting public educational activities that improve living marine resource habitats. Projects should create measurable behavior change by encouraging students, teachers, industries, or the public to actively participate in addressing a particular marine debris issue. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000. For more information, see Grants.gov. Applications are due by December 16.
Products/Publications
Climate Science Special Report - The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), made up of 13 federal departments and agencies that carry out research and support the Nation’s response to global change, has released the Climate Science Special Report, Volume I of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4). This report on the physical science of climate change in the United States serves as the foundation for an assessment of climate-related impacts, risks, and adaptation. The report was written by a team of experts in climate change science, including representatives from the federal government, national laboratories, universities, and the private sector and underwent six rounds of expert technical review. The report and sections of the report can also be downloaded.
European Commission Brief on the Precautionary Principle - The European Commission’s Science for Environment Policy has recently released the future brief, The precautionary principle: decision-making under uncertainty (PDF, 864 KB), which explores the role of the precautionary principle in European Union law and policy, including how to deal with complex risks that are not precisely calculable in advance, such as those associated with climate change.
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition Quarterly - The Fall 2017 issue of Coalition Quarterly (PDF, 23 MB), the first issue of a newsletter of the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC), provides an introduction by the new Executive Director Zee Crocker and an overview of the mission of the coalition to educate, monitor, mitigate, and advocate to protect and restore water throughout Barnstable. The issue also includes notes from the field about water testing, ways for volunteers, donors, and partners to get involved, and upcoming events.
Sound Waves - The August-October 2017 issue of Sound Waves, a U.S. Geological Survey newsletter, features articles on how video cameras help forecast coastal change, coastal change caused by Hurricane Irma, landslides on the California coast, and other coastal and marine research news.
The Sandbar - The October 2017 issue of The Sandbar, a quarterly publication reporting on legal issues affecting the U.S. oceans and coasts by the National Sea Grant College Program, features articles on a new U.S. Supreme Court regulatory takings opinion, the conflicts between Oregon oyster and dairy farms, how an override in a fisheries management decision has led to uncertainty, a discussion on whether intertidal rockweed is private property or a state-owned marine resource, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.
Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The November 2017 issue of MPA news features articles on insights from practitioners, perspectives on building MPA careers, a proposal for an East Antarctic system of MPAs falling short of consensus, a conserved area in Senegal, and other MPA news and notes.
Beneath the Surface - The November 2017 issue of Beneath the Surface, a newsletter from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), includes articles on new air-launched devices that help study hurricanes, how changes in ocean temperature are affecting living organisms in coastal waters, whether radioactivity lingers from the 1946-1958 nuclear bomb tests, and other news and updates from WHOI.
Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The November 2017 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management, the bimonthly information service from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, includes a new feature called The Skimmer, which reviews the latest news and research on a particular topic, with this month’s topic being ocean plastics. This month’s MEAM also features articles on the latest news and resources for ocean planners and managers, a request for users to take a MEAM survey, and other notes and news.
Ecological Landscaping Association Newsletter - The November 2017 issue of the Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) ELA Newsletter features an annual "year in review" piece, maintenance problems and discoveries over the course of the season, and other gleanings, news, and upcoming events.
Right Whale News - The November 2017 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 593 KB), a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, reports on the status of declining right whale populations, a Marine Mammal Commission letter with recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service, and other news.
Natural Hazards Disaster Research - The November 3 issue of Disaster Research, an e-newsletter from the Natural Hazards Center in Boulder, Colorado, offers updates on the Research Counts series; a program to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) doctoral programs for minority students to increase their representation in disaster-related research and response; and other educational opportunities, conferences, jobs, and updates.
Northeast Climate Science Center Newsletter - The November 20 issue of the Northeast Climate Science Center’s NE CSC Newsletter, a biweekly e-newsletter from the University of Amherst’s NE CSC program, features articles on the use of unmanned aerial systems to help understand coastal processes, projects to address wildlife conservation and climate change, models to predict complex wildlife responses, and other climate-related news, presentations, events, and resources throughout the Northeast.
Web-Based and Mobile-User Resources
Coastal Storm Resources - NOAA’s Digital Coast Connections has created the web page, Storm-Related Resources for Coastal Communities, which provides a list of resources and tools from NOAA and other organizations on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes. The list includes links to helpful data sources, such as Lidar data to analyze flooded areas, pre-event imagery, sea level rise data viewers, and courses that local official can take for adaptation planning.
Public Comment
Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office.
Survey of Recreational Benefits of Nutrient Reduction - EPA has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Willingness to Pay Survey to Evaluate Recreational Benefits of Nutrient Reductions in Coastal New England Waters, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request for approval of a new survey to collect data to better understand how reduced water quality due to nutrient enrichment affects the economic prosperity, social capacity, and ecological integrity of coastal New England communities. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on November 9, 2016, during a 60-day comment period, and this notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. See the Federal Register for a full description of the ICR and submission requirements. Comments are due December 13.
Job/Internship Postings
Program Director Narragansett Bay Estuary Program - The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is seeking candidates for Program Director of the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP) to lead the effort to protect and preserve Narragansett Bay and its bi-state watershed. The program director will oversee and manage operations at NBEP’s Providence office and serve as a facilitator for addressing key environmental issues and for leading initiatives related to water quality and stormwater mitigation, habitat protection and restoration, local capacity building, and impacts of climate change. Email cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to jobs@neiwpcc.org by December 15 and reference 18-NBEP-001 in the email subject line.
Larval Fish Ecology Internships - The Larval Fish Ecology lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is looking for two to three interns, age 18 years or older, to help with research on larvae of river herring, coral reef fish, and sand lance. Responsibilities include pulling fish larvae from plankton samples, measuring larvae through a microscope, and possibly helping out with fieldwork, which will include 1-day oceanographic cruises in the region. Preference will be given to individuals who can commit to at least 20 hours per week for several weeks. Internships are unpaid, but offer an opportunity for college students (or soon-to-be college students) to gain research experience. Interested individuals should send an email to Joel Llopiz (jllopiz@whoi.edu) expressing interest, as well as a brief summary of educational background and career interests and goals.
Charles River Watershed Internships - The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is seeking Watershed Science Interns and Charles River Cleanup Assistant Interns for a variety of field science and watershed management tasks for the spring semester of 2018. Areas of focus will differ depending on the intern’s skills and interest, but may include support for field science projects, the annual Charles River Earth Day Cleanup, volunteer engagement, invasive plant management and removal, data management and analysis, and environmental advocacy. Internship schedules are flexible but require a commitment of at least 16 hours per week. Though internships are unpaid, college credit may be obtained. Submit a cover letter and resume to Katie Friedman.
Reminders - These opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still open:
- Science Communication Fellow - The Ocean Exploration Trust is seeking applications from teachers and informal educators of all levels and experience for its Science Communication Fellowship, a professional development experience aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus. Fellows will spend 1-2 weeks at sea between June-November 2018 in the Pacific Ocean with a team of professionals gaining experience in the applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the field of ocean exploration. Fellows will collaborate with a cohort from across North America, explore side-by-side with scientists and engineers, and act as science interpreters to share the adventure with their students, community, and the world through a live broadcast on www.NautilusLive.org. Applications are due January 15, 2018.
- Science Communications Intern - The Ocean Exploration Trust is also offering Student Internships for undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduates in the fields of ocean science, seafloor mapping, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) engineering, and video engineering. Intern positions include 2-5 week sessions working aboard the Nautilus as data loggers, ROV pilots, or video engineers. Interns will learn how to make scientific observations, process digital data and physical samples, and participate in educational outreach activities. Applications are due January 26, 2018.
Calendar
Cape Coastal Conference—Registration Now Open - From December 5-6, the 5th Annual Cape Coastal Conference, Resilient Cape? Prepare, Adapt, Restore, will be held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center. This two-day conference, hosted by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in collaboration with numerous organizations, including CZM and the MassBays National Estuary Program, will feature plenary sessions and mini-workshops on a variety of coastal topics. See the Conference Announcement (PDF, 482 KB) for details. Register for one or both days.
Vulnerability Assessment Tool Webinar - On December 5 at 1 p.m., the National Adaptation Forum will hold a webinar on the North American Marine Protected Area Rapid Vulnerability Assessment Tool, which was designed to help marine protected area managers evaluate the implications of climate change on habitats. For more information, see the National Adaptation Forum website.
Stormwater Conference—Call for Abstracts - From August 12-16, 2018, StormCon 2018, a conference and expo for stormwater professionals in North America, will be held in Denver, Colorado. Conference organizers are seeking presentations in six program tracks: stormwater infrastructure and best management practices; green infrastructure; stormwater permit compliance; funding, staffing, and managing the stormwater program; industrial stormwater management; and research and testing. The deadline to submit an abstract is December 6.
Marine Debris Webinar - On December 11 from 7:30-9 p.m., NOAA Planet Stewards is holding a webinar, Not Just Talking Trash: Marine Debris and What We Can Do About It! Join Krista Stegemann, Communications and Education Specialist for NOAA's Marine Debris Program, to learn more about marine debris, how to talk about and connect to the problem, and what resources are out there to help. Register soon because space is limited.
Coastal Manual Training Sessions - CZM and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) are continuing to hold training sessions to provide an overview of the publication, Applying the Massachusetts Coastal Wetlands Regulations: A Practical Manual for Conservation Commissions to Protect the Storm Damage Prevention and Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas, otherwise known as the Coastal Manual. The Coastal Manual provides direction to Conservation Commissions and applicants to address the impacts that proposed projects may have on the storm damage prevention and flood control functions of coastal resource areas. The guidance helps interpret the existing Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, clarifies how coastal resource areas are delineated, expands on the description of their functions, and guides applicants and Conservation Commissions on how to apply and meet performance standards. In addition, the manual explains in detail how Commissions should use the best available tools, data, and information for a complete and accurate project review. The following training workshops for interested parties, including Conservation Commissions, consultants, and design professionals, are still available:
- South Shore Region - December 13, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Kingston Town Hall, Selectmen Room, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston.
- Cape Cod and Islands Region - December 20, 9 a.m.-noon at the Harborview Conference Room, Old Jailhouse Building, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable.
Social Coast Forum—Registration Now Open - On February 5-8, 2018, the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association will hold the fourth biennial Social Coast Forum, Social Science for Coastal Decision-Making, in Charleston, South Carolina. The forum will explore how social science tools and methods are being used to address the nation’s coastal issues. Join a diverse group from academia, state agencies, federal offices, nonprofits, and the private sector for interdisciplinary presentations, stories, roundtable discussions, and training sessions. Early registration is available until December 14.
Mass Audubon Natural History Conference—Call for Presentations - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is now accepting proposals for presentations for the 23rd annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference being held at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable on March 17, 2018. Presentation topics may include professional or personal research/studies/observations focusing on the ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, natural communities, and/or environmental restoration projects on Cape Cod.
EBC Program Series with MassDEP - On January 9 from 8:00-11:15 a.m., the Environmental Business Council (EBC) of New England will hold the last session in their program series with the MassDEP leadership team. This meeting held at CDM Smith, 75 State Street in Boston, will provide EBC members and future members with the opportunity to hear from Commissioner Martin Suuberg and learn first-hand about the top environmental priorities for the department and the administration in 2018 and beyond. Presentations will also be made by the deputy and assistant commissioners and general counsel. Register online by January 5 for a discounted rate.
National Stormwater Calculator Webinar - On January 31, 2018, from 2-3 p.m., as part of the Water Research Webinar Series, EPA is holding a webinar to provide a demonstration of the National Stormwater Calculator (SWC) and introduce new features, such as a cost module and a mobile web application. EPA developed the stormwater calculator to help support local, state, and national stormwater management objectives and regulatory efforts to reduce runoff through infiltration and retention using green infrastructure practices as low impact development controls. Site developers, landscape architects, urban planners, homeowners, and others interested in reducing runoff from a property are encouraged to participate and to register online.
Science Seminars - The NOAA seminar series website provides listings and details on NOAA science and climate seminars and webinars that are available across the nation.
Get Outside Walks on Cape Cod - This winter, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is holding a series of Get Outside Walks on Cape Cod. Join a walk on an ecologically important property owned by the Orleans Conservation Trust on December 8, and a guided walk on the site of the Coonamessett River restoration in Falmouth on December 20. Dress appropriately for weather and take precautions against ticks. The walks are free, but advance registration is required because space is limited.
Buzzards Bay Walks and Events - The Buzzards Bay Coalition provides a listing of walks and other nature-based events hosted by numerous organizations and land trusts in the region. December events include a full moon owl prowl, an owl presentation, nature discoveries, an annual Christmas bird count and potluck, and more. You can filter the events by town, month, or host and select topics, such as kid-friendly, volunteering, and more.
Cape Cod Walks, Lectures, and Events - Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable offer a variety of educational programs for children and adults. For more information, search the calendar of programs, classes, and activities for Wellfleet Bay and Long Pasture.
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary provides numerous nature walks, talks, and adventures. See the programs, classes, & activities page and search the program catalog for event and schedule information, such as winter solstice walks, vacation week family fun days, and tracking mammals workshops.
Plum Island Morning Birding and Other Events - Throughout the winter, the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center will host a Wednesday and Saturday morning birding series to explore some of Plum Island’s most productive birding hotspots. The center also hosts numerous other winter events, classes, and education activities, such as the Superbowl of Birding XV event, birding the Maine coast, and field trips for homeschoolers. For event and schedule information, search the Joppa Flats program catalog.
Reminders - The following calendar items posted previously in CZ-Mail are still to come:
- International Marine Debris Conference—Registration Now Open - From March 12-16, 2018, the NOAA Marine Debris Program will hold the 6th International Marine Debris Conference (6IMDC) in San Diego, California. This five-day event, promoting international coordination efforts within the marine debris community, includes plenary sessions, keynote speakers, technical session breakouts, refreshments, and networking opportunities. 6IMDC will build upon the partnerships and successes of the Honolulu Strategy, which was developed at the last conference in 2011. Register by December 15 for discounted pricing and to secure a spot—total registration will be limited to 600 participants.
- ICEA Annual Conference—Registration Now Open - From February 12-14, 2018, the International Erosion Control Association (ICEA) will hold the 2018 ICEA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. The conference brings together professionals from around the world to discuss the latest products, services, and technology for erosion and sediment control; stormwater management; wetland, stream bank, and shoreline restoration; MS4 management; and industry trends. Register before January 15, 2018, for a discounted rate.
- Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop - From March 12 to 16, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Stakeholder Workshop in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to provide a forum for information exchange and discussion of current policies, programs, procedures, best practices, and challenges associated with the delivery of hazard mitigation assistance programs and floodplain management. Registration runs through January 10, 2018, and accepted registrations will be notified by February 1.
- Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Save the Date - From April 25-26, 2018, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), in partnership with member states and EPA, will hold the 29th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Glens Falls, New York. Join representatives from New England and New York, including the public and private sectors, academia, and watershed organizations, to share information about nonpoint source pollution issues and projects in the regions.
Other Items of Interest
Youth Making Ripples Film Festival and Competition - On January 25, 2018, the Youth Making Ripples Film Festival and Competition, an ocean conservation-inspired event, will take place at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Youth Making Ripples is seeking submission for the Film Competition, which challenges K-12 students to produce short ocean documentaries about problems that face the ocean, and possible solutions to these issues. A portion of the festival will focus specifically on plastic pollution and feature a new exhibit called "Sea Debris: Awareness through Art." See the filmmaker resources page for tips and examples of submissions. Students can win small scholarships and participate on an annual shark tagging expedition, and finalists will become part of the traveling film festival debuting to audiences around the country. The deadline for submission is December 5.
Campus RainWorks Challenge - The EPA Office of Water has announced the 6th annual Campus RainWorks Challenge, a green infrastructure design competition for undergraduate and graduate students. Student teams, working with a faculty advisor, will submit design boards, a project narrative, and a letter of support for a proposed green infrastructure project for their campus. This year, student teams are encouraged to incorporate climate resiliency and consider community engagement in the stormwater management designs. Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes. Entries must be submitted by December 15.
2018 High School Marine Science Symposium—Call for Presenters - On March 8, 2018, from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center, the Massachusetts Marine Educators (MME), and Salem State University are sponsoring the High School Marine Science Symposium at Northeastern University in Boston. Scientists, graduate students, educators, and others working in marine-related fields are invited to submit proposal for hands-on workshops or interactive demonstrations to share their knowledge, skills, and passion for marine science-related research and practice. Individuals or teams of presenters are invited to participate. To help hone your presentation skills for a high school student audience, see the tip, Top ten mistakes made by researchers when presenting to young people. Submissions will be accepted through December 22 and notifications of accepted proposals will be released in January.
Boston Short Course on Coastal Resiliency - From June 17-23, 2018, Sustainable Adaptive Gradients in the Coastal Environment (SAGE) is offering a free short course for graduate and PhD students to understand the fundamentals and complexities of coastal adaptation in the Boston area. The course, which combines classroom instruction, team project-based learning, and field work, will focus on the planning, design, and management of coastal-adaptation measures, short- and long-term flood and sea level rise events, nature-based infrastructure solutions, and other topics. See SAGE’s course description for details. Applications are due by January 5, 2018, and decisions on acceptance and travel grants will be made by February 1, 2018.
Marine Policy Fellowships - NOAA Sea Grant College Program and Woods Hole Sea Grant is accepting applications for the 2019 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year program aims to provide a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions, located in the area of Washington, DC, for a one-year paid fellowship. Applications are due by February 23, 2018. For more information, contact Matt Charette, Director of Woods Hole Sea Grant at mcharette@whoi.edu. To apply, see the grant opportunity on Grants.gov.
Science Without Borders Art Challenge - The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative, is sponsoring the Science without Borders Challenge—a contest for students and teachers involved and interested in ocean conservation through art. This year’s theme, Why Coral Reefs Matter, celebrates this year’s distinction as the International Year of the Reef. Students are encouraged to use their artistic talents to create a piece of art that illustrates why coral reefs matter to individuals, communities, the country, and the ecosystem. The challenge is open to primary and secondary school students 11-19 years old, with prizes of up to $500 awarded to winning entries. See the contest rules for more details. The deadline for entry is April 23, 2018.
Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is launching their second Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition for middle or high school students to design and lead a creative advocacy campaign in their school or community. Awards of up to $5,000 will be provided to students and student groups whose campaigns most effectively raise awareness of and address the marine debris problem through creativity, community engagement, and activism. See the Bow Seat Ocean Advocacy Competition website for detailed information about brainstorming ideas, finding a sponsor and registering, undertaking a campaign, and submitting final reports, which are due June 18, 2018.