Policy
The future of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed depends on sound decision-making at the local, state, regional, and federal levels. Crucial decisions may be made by homeowners or farmers, marina owners or boaters, elected officials or agency staff – and often a combination of all of the above. Making wise choices depends on sound information, and Maryland Sea Grant's prime mission is to provide marine-related information in a way that is accurate, dependable, and balanced.
For many years Maryland Sea Grant has provided in-depth information on oyster biology, aquaculture, oxygen dynamics, and other issues facing the Chesapeake Bay. Sea Grant specialists have aided in the analysis of the Bay's commercial fisheries, its seafood processing industry, and the recreational boating business. Sea Grant worked directly with the Chesapeake Bay Commission and its Bi-State Blue Crab Advisory Committee. It also, in partnership with the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, worked with the Chesapeake Bay Program to help facilitate the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Blue Ribbon Finance Panel, and to help guide the Mid-Atlantic management of non-indigenous invasive species. More recently Sea Grant has partnered in efforts to involve citizens in the visioning and planning of land-use and development in their coastal communities.