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Conference Call (1/31/05)
In attendance: Nancy Balcom, Paula Cullenberg, Jim Hurley, Jim Murray, Ralph Rayburn, John Woeste (partial).
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ralph Rayburn at 12 noon (Central Time).
1) AFS 2005 Symposium: National Sea Grant and CSREES submitted a symposium request for the AFS 2005 meeting in Anchorage this September. Focus would be on using extension education to work with multiple stakeholders involved in fisheries management and conservation issues. We will hear Feb 4th if the symposium will be included in the program. If so, it will be ½ day long and will have room for 10 papers. A call for papers will go out shortly after the notification. Paula Cullenberg is chairing the planning team.
2) SG Retreat: Ralph and Jim Murray attended the SG Retreat in Houston, Jan 25-26. One aspect of the discussion was concern for why SG is not doing better re: Congressional appropriations? Retreat focused on the need for an overarching Meta-theme to link the Ocean Commission Report and Sea Grant. Participants agreed that the Ocean Commission Report is a great opportunity for SG but the federal fiscal climate is not good. Suggestion was to work harder – try to agree on overall strategy and move with a common message. The diverse nature of the network was recognized as both a strength and weakness. Three proposed metathemes were brought forward for discussion. An overall theme related to sustainable coastal communities and economies, was generally accepted as a priority for FY06. Further discussion suggested elements of that theme to include ocean observation, fisheries extension, seafood science and safety, marinas, ecosystems, coastal observations, ocean literacy and education and aquatic invasive species.
Jim M. noted that there was an undercurrent acknowledging that past approaches to increase the base funding were not working and that something new is required, for example, going earmarks in the budget. Concern was expressed that earmarks could be at the expense of the base, so consideration that if funding is in SG's best interest, earmarks may be the wave of the future and should be considered. Also discussion that there may be a need to engage our constituents to tell the Sea Grant story and extension help will be needed to do that. (Note the official report of the retreat will be made by the facilitator.)
Ralph noted that we (extension) may be asked to be more involved at some point.
Jim Murray indicated that the implementation of an action plan will be the key and mobilization of support from SG/extension clients is needed. He noted that special interests like marinas might have a constituency for funding this year.
Jim also noted that NFI has been pushing for a seafood science and safety initiative. New staff members recently contacted him to indicate that getting SG dollars for seafood science and safety is their top priority at NFI. John suggested that we be direct with NFI as well as other interest groups that we can't jeopardize base funds to fund new initiatives – it should be new funding.
3) Assembly Survey responses: – Ralph indicated that
at the he recently sent a reminder of the survey to the Assembly membership.
He currently has 18 responses back and he'll target the others to encourage
them to respond. Most of the responses have been electronic, but some hard copy.
The EXCOM will discuss the survey responses at its meeting in March.
4) March Assembly face-to-face meeting: – will be a full day meeting in D.C. on Sunday, March 6th. SGA meets Monday and Tuesday. SG Academy will be the same week. On Wednesday Academy participants will be downtown meeting leadership of NOAA and the EPA.
We will do a Beltway Brown Bag at the same time. Jim Murray encouraged the Smart Growth theme since the timing is good and it conformed to discussions at the retreat. Possible agenda would be activities on Wednesday in conjunction with the Sea Grant Academy visit to NOAA HQ and EPA with the NOAA Library seminar at noon on Thursday. Nancy suggested NEMO folks from Connecticut and might be good headliners. Chet Arnold and John Rozum are both excellent speakers. Ralph supported the idea – NEMO is good example. Maybe call it – Coastal Community Development: the NEMO program. Those speakers could also talk to the Academy folks at the same time. Probably Wednesday/ Thursday March 9 & 10 would be the timeframe depending on desire and opportunity for satellite meetings. Nancy will contact NEMO leadership and coordinate availability with Ralph.
It was noted that room reservations for the face-to-face EXCOM meeting need
to be made – Barcelo Radisson, 202-293-3100, 1-800- 333-3333 – will
hold rooms until Feb 3rd. The location is near the Dupont circle, Metro stop.
Will go all day with executive committee – 8:30 to 3:30. {Note this will
be an open meeting and any Assembly -to include ad hoc- members are welcome
to participate}
5) Sea Grant Week – Next conference call for planning
committee set for Feb 18th with Paul Anderson. Jim Murray is working with Paul
to identify a speaker for the plenary session. Current suggestion is the VP
for Engagement at Purdue.
Sunday will be the Assembly business meeting – may spend most of that
day on business. Another meeting of the Assembly will be held on Wednesday morning
prior to meeting adjournment. Ralph asked Nancy to chair the SG Week Assembly
planning committee and she agreed. Nancy will be working on developing committee
membership.
It was noted that Mike Spranger wanted to give an update on the Academy during the business meeting or at another appropriate time.
Jim M. – noted that there will be a Saturday session on coastal communities/smart growth.
6) Other Items
*Jim M requested we try to have a dialogue with the Office of Global Programs
during SG Week. SG wants to have an IPA dedicated to this program, and possibly
develop an implementation plan for how extension can work with OGP on climate
application issues. Would like a ½ hour on the program to talk about
climate.
* Jim M noted an interest by NMFS in engaging SG in a number of issues related
to fisheries – need to get our adhoc committee on fisheries extension
together for a face to face meeting. It was suggested that the upcoming Managing
Our Nation's Fisheries II national meeting in DC 24-26 March - might be
an opportunity for a meeting.
* A reminder was that Jay Rasmusson is contact for website changes. Some updates
needed – i.e. backup for superior outreach award.
Meeting adjourned at 1:25.pm Central time.
Next EXCOM meeting in D.C., Sunday March 6th.
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