Motivation

The coastal zones in Texas are uniquely marked by bays and estuaries which are critical ecological regions providing a habitat for many aquatic species. These ecological regions are where the young of our most important Gulf species live before becoming adults. Texas coastal infrastructure also includes refineries, ports, and other supporting services for Texas’ vast oil and gas industry. Resilience of the Texas coast is therefore important not only for the immediate residents, but also to support the natural ecosystems and economic stability of this state and nation. 

 

Conference Introduction

Texas Sea Grant has been working on programmatic development for the inclusion of advanced technologies as intervening solutions for coastal resilience and adaptation. Working through 2023 Sea Grant coastal adaptation and resilience institutional funding, Texas Sea Grant aims to increase awareness in engineering and technology that helps decision-making around coastal energy transition, marine debris and sustainable consumption, natural and nature-based solutions, and early warning systems for coastal hazards.

Towards this end, we have planned the Coastal Resilience and Adaptation Conference scheduled for September 18-19, 2024, to inform coastal communities including decision-makers, elected officials, city and county staff, natural resource managers, academics, the private sector, etc. of technology and engineering solutions that address the four thematic topic areas below:

 

1.     Coastal Energy Transition

2.     Marine Debris and Circular Economy

3.     Natural and Nature-based Solutions

4.     Early Warning Systems for Coastal Hazards

Goals

Through the integration of research, education, and extension, Texas Sea Grant aims to disseminate science and technology to better guide decisions regarding the coastal adaptation and resilience.

Specifically, the team will work together at this conference to provide the following outcomes for coastal adaptation and resilience:

Information resources to support decisions regarding technology adoption.

Provide information on technology integration opportunities.

Disseminate science- and technology-based information to citizen scientists.

Enable demonstration sites for technology in underserved communities.

Provide a platform for researchers to demonstrate their technology for coastal adaptation and resilience.

Provide a platform for community leadership and other organizations.