2001–2002 - California Sea Grant - UC San Diego

introduction…
Russell A. Moll, Director
This annual report represents achievements from research
and outreach activities undertaken by California Sea
Grant from March 2000 through February 2002. The
purpose of the report is to highlight results that will inform the
public, and provide a record of our accomplishments for individuals
in government, industry and the academic community.
California Sea Grant is the largest of 30 national programs
located in our Great Lakes and coastal states. While our headquarters
are located at the University of California, San Diego, the
program serves the entire state through a network of universitybased
research and outreach.
Our primary mission is to expand the base of scientific knowledge
necessary to promote the sustainable use of California’s
coastal and marine resources. In this role, California Sea Grant
supports research to help stakeholders solve the challenges of a
modern world, and public outreach and education to encourage stewardship
and conservation.
I arrived as the new director of California Sea Grant in the fall of 2000.
At that time the state was flush from a rapidly growing economy, and
enjoyed what appeared to be limitless resources and potential. However,
since 2001, we have been repeatedly challenged by unforeseen local,
regional, national, and world events. These events have given us pause to
reflect on the conduct of our daily lives. As coastal residents, we must now
add issues such as security, environmental protection, and safety to the list
of previous challenges that have faced us. The desire to make informed
decisions about each of these issues inspires us to learn more about our
environment.
Accordingly, I believe the relevance for a program such as California Sea
Grant continues to grow. In a faster-paced world filled with surprising
events each day there is, more than ever, a need for credible information to
produce an informed public. This is a central tenet of our mission—to
support research and outreach concerning our marine
environment. At the same time, if we are to have a vibrant and resilient
economy, and yet conduct commerce in an environmentally responsible
manner, we must seek to further our knowledge and understanding of
where we live and work.
This 2000–2002 report provides the reader with a glimpse into some of
the issues addressed by California Sea Grant. Topics such as preserving
essential habitat to support fish populations, combating unwanted invading
organisms, tracking coastal water quality and sediments, and seeking
novel marine compounds remain a hallmark of the program.
I encourage you to learn more about California Sea Grant and our
achievements through this report. I trust you will be intrigued by these
findings, and that you will endeavor to join with California Sea Grant in
becoming better and more enlightened stewards of our precious marine
resources.
Russell A. Moll
Director, California Sea Grant College Program
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