Present: Jim Hurley, Jeff Gunderson, Mark Malchoff, Tom Murray, Jack Thigpen, Nancy Balcom, Chuck Pistis, Jim Falk, Michael Liffmann, Bob Stickney, Roy Kron, John Woeste (late) and Stephanie Showalter.
Report from the National Office (Mike L.)
New program officers listings were established. The effective date is July 1. Leon sent e-mail with attachment, including names/assignments. All 15 Program that submitted Fisheries Extension Enhancement (FEE) proposals received approval. Mike conveyed his thanks for the response to yesterday’s e-mail as to what programs are doing regarding climate change (CG). CG is very much the “buzz” in Washington D.C. Regional Projects RFP from NSGO is on schedule and will be issued soon. Each of 8 NOAA regions is slated to receive $25,000. Climate engagement projects involving Sea Grant and other NOAA partners will be sought. . Proposals are due in August or September. . Questions from Mark, Jack, Chuck about whether FEE regional projects were funded. Answer - Only state programs that had 2003-2008 funding were eligible. No regional projects.
National SG received 21 Strategic Plan Alignment Phase II Templates from network. Regional research teams will be in Silver Spring next week.
Options for Assembly Meeting/teleconference 2009 (Jim H.) \
Our bylaws dictate that the Assembly must meet each year. This typically is enabled by the fact that SG week usually occurs in odd years - Assembly meets in even years. This year neither meeting is scheduled. Question for the group: Should we try to squeeze in an Assembly meeting? Perhaps a business meeting on web, then a seminar (i.e. advocacy issues) is one option. Jim asked if anyone had experience with web-based conferences. Comments: Jeff thought we should try a web-based meeting. Discussion with positive input from Mark M. and Roy K. Communicators will take the same approach with 15-20 people on October 6 & 7. Discussion followed regarding seminar speaker. Mike L. suggested Roger Pielke as one candidate. Pam K. could list some additional candidate names. Jim H. stated that we will need a group to a) pull this together, and b) figure out web logistics. Jeff G., Nancy B. & Bob B formed the committee that will decide on speakers for the Webinar. Jim H. will look into various options for webcasting.
Salary Survey (Jim F.)
Beta version of web-based survey is up (Qualtrics software/site). Jim sought feedback. Comments from Jack, Jeff & Mark. Jim will continue work on the instrument and finalize it later this month.
Assembly/Extension Web (from March 2009 agenda) (Jack T.)
Jack asked for ideas regarding a possible re-vamped website. “How do the communicators, educators build/maintain sites? Should the focus be internal or external use? Would the function include bylaws & and document repository? Do we want an interactive site with public input, blogs, etc? The effort really requires another volunteer. Jim F. asked if we envisioned a take over of the Oregon SG site? Jack envisioned something different. This would be another site to take us to next level. It should have a more professional look which begs the question of funding. Jack T. said he hopes to dialogue with Elizabeth LaPorte (MISG). Tom M. offered a comment re: content – the revamped site should definitely include extension program business. Jim H. stated that the communicators do a nice job putting up a blog for each state in advance of national meeting. Tom M, and Jim F. will help out with the effort. Jim F. will report on committee findings next time.
National Water Quality Conference 2010 (Jim H. /Mike L.)
Mike has received some ideas/contributions. Working on agenda with/LG (land grant) for February 21-25, Hilton Head. Stephanie S. asked if she was inadvertently dropped from planning committee. Topics were solicited and compiled by Mike L. and will be posted on the conference web site shortly. Mike L. will remind the network via e-mail.
Working Waterways & Waterfronts Conference; Maine Sea Grant and Maine WWF coalition Fall ’10 (Tom M.)
Norfolk 2007 went well. There is interest in doing a similar conference in Maine in Fall ’10. Maine SG will approach SCCD committee for support/funding. The previous conference had 8 programs on steering committee. Next conference will involve NOAA/NMFS. Tom M. is looking for names with which to populate a steering committee. Chuck P. (MISG) volunteered himself or Mark Breederland (also with MISG).
Subcommittees
Sea Grant Climate Network (Jim H. reported in place of Bob B.)
Climate Change Network is now up and running - ratified after last call. See today’s email re: social network. National office will support second training session for Sea Grant. Not quite official yet but NOAA CPO SARP project (training program) will soon be funded. The idea is to develop a “wikipedia” approach for Sea Grant climate change training. The Ning.com site is up and running and is way to enter social discussion. Discussion followed of a bill now in Congress regarding the creation of the climate service. Mike L. stated that the recent fire drill in NSGO underscored need for better/more timely reporting on climate and other hot topics. Jack indicated that extension folk are doing monthly narratives. The question is who aggregates this information? Mike L. indicated that such “taskers” are burdensome, but important if we wish to better position SG in climate change funding discussion.
Sustainable Coastal Community Development (Jim F.)
Training scheduled at the Coastal Zone Meeting July in Boston. We have a Ning.com site as well. Training will be lead by Doug Farr – noted author, trainer on topic of Sustainable Urbanism. Should be circulating something next week. SCCD Network listing is 50-60 people, including appointed Coastal Community Development leads in each program. Invitations to participate in the sustainable urbanism training are going to the NEMO network, Coastal Service Center, SG etc. Jack T. forwarded a question from John Jacob (TXSG) re: funding for meeting in Washington, D.C. Apparently $300 was committed? Jim F. will contact John Jacob.
Beltway Brown Bags (Mike L.)
Mike reported (for Darren O.) that we are trying to get names/ideas into the hopper. The goal is to schedule 3/year, with an effort to have them be geographic and topically balanced. The next BBB presentation will be given by Dave MacNeill (NYSG) who will talk about Viral Hemorrhagic Septicema (VHS) and its impacts, especially on the baitfish industry. Also…… Mike L. will send additional nominations/topics to Mark. Next year we may go to SCCD for ideas – perhaps Natalie Springule (Maine SG) will present on her sabbatical work with displaced commercial fisherman in Canadian maritimes and Thom M. (VA)/Gary Graham (TXSG) on working waterfront and Mike Haby (fuel efficiency and fishing vessels). We should also consider inviting the winner(s) of 2010 Wick Award. More for ideas/speakers? – e-mail to Darren. Note: state programs are expected to provide travel costs.
Liaison Activities
Reports from regions
Northeast (Nancy B.) - No news that Nancy is aware of.
Great Lakes (Chuck P.) – Nothing to report except upcoming June GLSG network meeting in Alexandria Bay, NY.
Southeast (Jack T.) - NOAA is considering a hydrologic/meterologic test bed (HMTB) study in
the SE. Good chance for Sea Grant engagement.
Mid Atlantic (Jim F.) – Reported that they are resurrecting regional charter. Wondered if there are other examples out there? Feedback suggests that such a document maybe too formal in current economic climate. Previous documents may have made more sense when budgets were not as thin.
Gulf – no report
Pacific – no report
Law Center (Stephanie S.)
Memos are now being posted. Trying to identify what laws/definitions/legal provisions are relevant to SG. Law Center is currently updating information to include Bering Sea Crab fishery. One is also be updated for Tom Murray on marina leasing. Alignment and new strategic plan has been submitted. Mini grants competition – still have money left for $5-10,000 workshops for legal questions. Approach can be just a letter or email. Can include salary if formal subcontract. Another e-mail is pending. Law center got congressional earmark again so another RFP will be coming.
Communicators (Roy K.)
Communicators are planning virtual conference. Gordon G. asked the communications network to come up with a tagline at last SGA meeting. That efforts has produced the following slogan – “Sea Grant - Signs At Work”. Not clear where this effort/slogan will go. Tom M. asked if he were the designated Assembly liaison to the communications group. Jim H. indicated yes.
Educators – no report
SGA – Bob S. had left the call
SG Advisory Board – John W. had left call. No additional info from Mike L., other than the fact that recently submitted alignment plans will be reviewed.
CSC – no report
Other
none
Action Items
WEBINAR – Jeff G., Nancy B., and Bob S. will plan a session the advocacy / non-advocacy issue. This will dovetail with a virtual (i.e. web-based) assembly meeting
Next meeting – Jim H. indicated the next call will likely be held in Sept.
Respectfully submitted: M. Malchoff, LCSG, Sec.-Treas.