Topics, Projects & Resources

Pennsylvania’s aquatic habitats play a critical role in the Lake Erie, Delaware, and Susquehanna watersheds. We share ecological and economic challenges, like the proliferation of invasive species, with neighboring states and provinces; Thus, understanding the interconnectedness of these ecosystems and watersheds is essential. Pennsylvania Sea Grant coordinates initiatives, and develops programming, trainings, and resources to address invasive species through every step in the invasion pathway: prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control and management.

Pennsylvania’s aquatic habitats play a critical role in three of the world’s greatest water resources – the Lake Erie, Delaware River, and Susquehanna River watershed ecosystems. Natural resource managers and decision makers face political and ecosystem challenges in attempts to keep coastal ecosystems healthy. Responsible management of these systems requires new ways of thinking and actions, often termed ecosystem-based management. PA Sea Grant is a leader in developing regional approaches to understanding and maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. Our staff directs efforts to identify information gaps across the Commonwealth, implements research priorities to address those gaps, and coordinates information and technology transfer to the people who need it.

Communities across Pennsylvania are experiencing the challenges of a changing climate, extreme weather events, and shrinking natural resources. Resiliency refers to a community’s ability to adapt and thrive despite the threats. Pennsylvania Sea Grant works to improve resiliency by connecting partners, decision-makers, and communities to each other, and to the timely and relevant resources that can lead to informed policy decisions, supported economies, and healthy, resilient communities.

Pennsylvania’s aquatic habitats play a critical role in the Lake Erie, Delaware, and Susquehanna watersheds. We share ecological and economic challenges, like the proliferation of invasive species, with neighboring states and provinces; Thus, understanding the interconnectedness of these ecosystems and watersheds is essential. Pennsylvania Sea Grant leads regional invasive species management partnerships, and coordinates efforts to identify and manage threatening invasive species in the region.

Working together with external partners, our watershed and water quality activities take place in the Lake Erie watershed, and in the Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins. All projects seek to increase public understanding and knowledge of watershed issues and to maintain healthy coastal ecosystems.  Activities include identifying and improving upon water quality and quantity issues; planning and implementing priority stream restoration and green stormwater infrastructure projects; and implementing other water-related best management practices that provide numerous and long-lasting benefits for people and the environment.