Sustainable Coastal Development (SCD)

Coastal communities in America provide vital economic, social, and recreational opportunities for millions of Americans, but decades of population migration have transformed our coastal landscapes and intensified demand on finite coastal resources. The increase in population has resulted in new housing developments and recreation facilities, a new generation of energy development activities, port expansions, and other business activities. These changes are placing tremendous pressure on coastal lands, water supplies, and traditional ways of life. To accommodate more people and activity, and to balance growing demands on coastal resources, we must develop new policies, institutional capacities, and management approaches to guide the preservation and use of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources. Sea Grant will engage a diverse and growing coastal population in applying the best available scientific knowledge, and use its extension and education capabilities to support the development of healthy coastal communities that are economically and socially inclusive, are supported by diverse and vibrant economies, and function within the carrying capacity of their ecosystems.

SCD Goals:
In each focus area, Sea Grant has identified goals to pursue and strategies designed to take advantage of its strengths in integrated research, outreach, and education, and its established presence in coastal communities.

SCD Focus Team:
Get to know the SCD experts and the projects they oversee that help ensure that the National Sea Grant College Program accomplishes the SCD goals outlined in the National Strategic Plan.

Sea Grant Network SCD Activities:
Acquaint yourself with the SCD-related activities of the Sea Grant Network, including national impact stories, recent headline news and upcoming SCD events.

SCD Resources:
Link to SCD-related resources including education fact sheets, professional networking sites, partnerships, reports and articles, and other useful links.