1. What I am Learning about Working for a Science Based Service Agency LaDon Swann Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center

2. Sea Grant is a Boundary Organization Boundary organizations are “formal relational structures” that create linkages across traditional boundaries – – such as the boundaries between science and policy. Reputation of neutrality, impartiality, and credibility – – Built through 48 years of scientific integrity and – – “boots on the ground” community presence

3. 2014 Social Network Analysis of Oil Spill Information Sea Grant

4. Seafood Safety When sensory tested samples are acceptable, verify sensory testing outcomes with chemical analyses. – – Failed sensory: Closure – – Passed sensory still meant chemical analysis There was no credible data to support claims made by some that seafood was tainted. Then why was it so difficult for some groups to believe that seafood was safe? Lingering questions about long-term impacts to fisheries.

5. It was really hard to resist the temptation to debate groups with different agendas

6. Finding Common Ground: Neutrality in Action

7. Coastal Tourism Tourism industry relied heavily on trajectory maps. Every day the prediction was missed negatively affected the tourism economy. Lingering questions about toxicity of tar balls, mats of submerged oil, hurricanes, disperants, etc.

8. Mental Health and Well-Being

9. Peer-to-Peer Listening Mr. Allen Kruse’s suicide on June 24, 2010. Regional program that evolved from Exxon Valdez Sea Grant, academia and mental health agencies partnership Trained more than 3000 peer-to-peer listeners

10. Conclusion 1. 1.The legal structure of OPA and other authorities led to missed opportunities to use boundary organizations like Sea Grant and Land Grant. – – However, GoMRI is taking advantage of Sea Grant Extension networks with their research program. 2. 2.It is not always the one in front of the camera that coastal residents go to for credible information. – – Asked to validate every damming media story about fisheries or tourism, regardless of the source. 3. 3.Improve trajectory models 4. 4.Create Independent Seafood Safety Data Review Panel 5. 5.The claims process is still a common question asked by affected industries.