Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Leveraging community science to sustain coastal research and support the Delaware coast
The Delaware estuary and surrounding wetlands are prime habitat for commercial fish species, a winter home for migrating birds, an outlet for recreation and tourism, and a natural barrier against coastal storms. Delaware Sea Grant is funding research and outreach that investigates how coastal ecosystems have changed over time in response to human activity and how communities can act to produce positive change in our environment.
Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
Citizen scientists have been measuring Delaware's Inland Bays and tidal rivers for nutrients and harmful algae since 1991. This extensive record has enabled impactful research on algal blooms across Delaware's watersheds and played a key role in the safe implementation of oyster aquaculture in the Inland Bays. Learn more
Marine Debris
Marine debris, consisting of plastics, derelict fishing gear and other wastes, significantly impacts Delaware's coastal ecosystems by harming wildlife and degrading water quality. Delaware Sea Grant is committed to addressing this issue through research, education, community outreach, and collaborative efforts. Learn more
Derelict Crab Pot Removal
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is collaborating with the University of Delaware and Delaware Sea Grant to not only remove hundreds of derelict crab pots from Rehoboth Bay (one of Delaware’s three Inland Bays), but also to collect information on locally-relevant impacts, which will form the basis of outreach and education to Delaware’s recreational crabbers and boaters. Learn more
Restoring Delaware's Coastal Ecosystems
Delaware supports a variety of wetlands, forests, dunes and underwater reefs and grasses which are extremely valuable for their ecological, economic, and protective functions, but they are under threat from various human and environmental pressures. Through research, education and partnerships, Delaware Sea Grant is making significant strides in restoring natural habitats, protecting shorelines, and ensuring that the benefits of these efforts are equitably distributed among all communities.
Living Shorelines: Natural Solutions for Coastal Protection
Living shorelines are nature-based alternatives to hard shoreline stabilization, using a combination of natural materials like plants, shellfish, sand, and rock to protect shorelines while enhancing habitat and water quality. Delaware Sea Grant promotes living shoreline approaches and helps to implement sustainable shoreline management practices statewide, and is involved in the Delaware Living Shorelines Committee.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Habitats
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) refers to underwater plants that grow in shallow waters of freshwater, brackish and saltwater ecosystems. SAV habitats are crucial for improving water quality by filtering pollutants, stabilizing sediments, and providing places for fish and wildlife to live and eat. Delaware Sea Grant co-leads the Delaware SAV Workgroup and collaborates with stakeholders throughout DE to support restoration and conservation efforts. Current work includes pilot projects on seed processing, standardized monitoring methods, and improved public data availability. For more information, visit the Delaware SAV Workgroup page.
Green Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience
Green infrastructure (GI) uses natural methods, such as a plant's ability to soak up water, a natural stream’s layout to slow water flow, or a tree's ability to shade and reduce heat to improve the lives of those living in the area. When GI practices are integrated into the landscape, they can reduce the amount of water entering stormwater management systems, assisting in reduced flooding and improved water quality. Types of GI include riparian or forested buffers, wetland installations, rain gardens, rain barrels, porous pavement and downspout disconnection and can be found in both rural and city areas. Delaware Sea Grant helps communities learn about and implement these solutions through
On-campus demonstration rain and native plant gardens,
Contribution to Cool Springs GI signage
Providing outreach and education on theSouthbridge Wilmington Wetlands Park
“Climate Risks and Green Infrastructure for Delaware’s Real Estate” course. A 3-hour course targeting Delaware realtors with information regarding flood risk and green infrastructure solutions. Contact us to schedule a training, or learn more via this climate risk handout.
In addition to doing the work ourselves, we also support projects performed by other organizations. Check out DESG's research page to see related projects, including:
- Community Perceptions of Social, Economic, and Health Impacts of Green Infrastructure Revitalization and Redevelopment in South Wilmington, DE
- Innovative Seagrass Mapping
- Installation of Living Shorelines in Areas Influenced by Ship Wake
Understanding Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in Delaware
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are pollutants that pose significant risks to our environment and health. In Delaware's coastal ecosystems, CECs like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are increasingly detected, raising concerns about their potential impacts.
CECs include a range of pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals. These contaminants enter our waterways through various historic or current sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and land disturbance ultimately affecting aquatic environments, wildlife, and human health.
The ecological and human health impacts of CEC exposure can vary. CECs can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by harming wildlife, altering reproductive and growth patterns, and contaminating food sources. These pollutants can accumulate in the food chain, affecting a wide range of animal species and leading to biodiversity loss.
Exposure to CECs is linked to serious health issues in humans and animals, including hormonal imbalances, developmental problems, and increased risk of cancers. Some CECs can enter drinking water supplies and accumulate in the body over time, posing long-term health risks.
Understanding and addressing the impacts of CECs is crucial for protecting both our environment and public health. Delaware Sea Grant supports research to better understand CEC effects and the development of strategies to mitigate them.
Take stock of the chemicals you use at your home and see if there is a way to introduce more natural alternatives. Here are household cleaning substitutes to limit your exposure.
Get your private well tested and if needed, install an under-sink reverse osmosis and two-stage filters to improve your water quality.
Cook food in stainless steel, cast-iron, glass or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick pans.
Don’t heat up food in grease-resistant packaging or paper plates. Think stovetop popcorn, instead of popcorn in microwavable bags.
Avoid purchasing products that are water or stain repellent.
Add home HEPA air filter(s).
Effective policy and regulation at the state and national level are essential for addressing Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and protecting public health and the environment in Delaware. By setting standards and guidelines, policymakers can limit the release of harmful contaminants like PFAS into our waterways and ecosystems. These regulations are developed through scientific research, stakeholder engagement, and public input, ensuring they are both effective and equitable.
Once policies are established, they are enforced through monitoring, compliance checks, and community outreach programs, turning regulatory frameworks into tangible actions that safeguard our environment and health.
In addition to doing the work ourselves, we also support projects performed by other organizations. Check out the DESG research page to learn more (see: Investigating the spatiotemporal distribution and bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroaklkyl substances (PFAS) in the Delaware Bay) or learn more about projects supported by Sea Grant Programs across the nation.
COASTSNAP DELAWARE
Using smartphones and crowd sourcing to monitor the dynamics of Delaware Beaches
Delaware scientists and coastal managers need your help in documenting the conditions and changes at our incredible and dynamic beaches. For more information, contact us via e-mail, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For an overview on how to use the CoastSnap app, please visit the official Spotteron page.
