Coastal Management Fellowship

2020-2022 Fellowship Project Summaries

California: Meghan Martinez, from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and nominated by Texas Sea Grant, was matched with the California State Coastal Conservancy to help implement, track, and evaluate the Regional Strategy 2018 for restoring southern California’s wetlands and to support a community-based wetland restoration grant program. Meghan strengthened the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project by evaluating restoration objectives, prioritizing projects, and enhancing wetlands monitoring mechanisms. She reenvisioned the Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program to support a wider range of community-based projects and secured U.S. EPA funding to enhance regional wetland monitoring. Meghan also contributed to data-driven visualizations through EcoAtlas and integrated principles of justice, equity, and diversity into all her fellowship projects.

Texas: Brian DeSanti, from Texas Tech University and nominated by Texas Sea Grant, was matched with the Texas Coastal Management Program to implement water quality management measures along the Texas coast through stakeholder engagement, data analysis, communication, and strategic programmatic review. During his fellowship, Brian made significant contributions, including quality assurance recommendations for Texas Beach Watch, which now feature new monitoring sites, updated field equipment, an improved sampling form, and revised language and processes—all pending U.S. EPA approval. He facilitated monthly webinars for Clean Coast Texas partners, enabling direct interaction with water quality experts and enhancing the partners' message and brand identity.

Delaware: Nicole Marks, from Villanova University and nominated by Pennsylvania Sea Grant, was matched with the Delaware Coastal Programs to develop a decision-tree process for communities, homeowners, business owners, and land stewards to mitigate flooding impacts from sea level rise and coastal storms, and to provide outreach and education on the process. Nicole developed the Individual Adaptation Decision and Planning Tool (I-ADAPT), incorporating spatial data and user-sourced information to offer tailored recommendations for immediate and future flood risk mitigation. Additionally, she supported Delaware Coastal Program scientists and planners with horseshoe crab studies, environmental justice projects, and other resilience-related initiatives. Nicole's contributions also include presenting at national conferences and expanding her expertise in spatial analysis, project management, and outreach.

Guam: Chelsey Willetts, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and nominated by Wisconsin Sea Grant, was matched with the Guam Coastal Management Program to update the draft Seashore Reserve Plan in conjunction with partner agencies in order to have the plan submitted through the Guam Territorial Planning Process for adoption.

Maryland: Kate Vogel, from the University of Michigan and nominated by Michigan Sea Grant, was matched with the Maryland Chesapeake and Coastal Service, part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, to identify and implement new technical guidance and climate adaptation best practices for state lands. Kate developed climate change adaptation plans with recommendations for short-term and long-term actions, and collaborated with the University of Maryland’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS) Program to create graphics for highlighting adaptation opportunities across state lands. She is also developing a website with climate change resources, including story maps for various state lands, to serve as a public communication tool. Additionally, Kate organized two conferences focused on Nature Play and urban green spaces, enhancing public engagement and awareness of climate adaptation.

U.S. Virgin Islands: Kerrin Toner, from Louisiana State University and nominated by Louisiana Sea Grant, was matched with the U.S. Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program to produce an updated St. Thomas East End Reserves five-year management plan through a transparent, inclusive, and fully informed process. Kerrin conducted interviews, facilitated workshop series, and established a reserve management council, resulting in a plan that prioritizes actions to protect the social and ecological communities of St. Thomas. The plan will guide local governing agencies, researchers, and stakeholders in decision-making and visitation. Kerrin has successfully raised awareness about this ecological treasure and earned local appreciation for her efforts. Her fellowship also enabled her to build an extensive professional network both locally and nationwide.