Science & Technical Advisory Committee: About

The Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is comprised of experienced scientists and resource-management experts that represent a broad cross-section of environmental expertise and diverse backgrounds. Members are expected to have general knowledge and interest in aspects of coastal, estuarine, and riverine processes, water quantity and quality, and resource management issues as they relate to the Delaware Estuary.

Purpose

The principal purpose of the STAC is to provide the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and collaborating entities with objective, expert advice and peer review for scientific and technical matters related to the National Estuary Program's activities and goals, such as those specified in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). It works with the PDE's Estuary Implementation Committee (EIC) to identify and prioritize science and technical needs within the Delaware Estuary and its watershed, and it assists in the nonprofit ’s efforts to raise awareness and resources for addressing these needs. The STAC also facilitates communication among other specialized science and technical committees, and it recommends forming and disbanding new STAC sub-committees and technical workgroups as needed.

Roles & Functions

To fulfill this purpose, the STAC undertakes initiatives based on broad direction from the EIC and then reports regularly on the progress it is making. More specifically, the STAC:

• Provides advice and peer review regarding overall science and technical issues, programs, and projects that the Partnership and its collaborating entities may consider, or take part in, to advance CCMP Action Items and address science and resource management needs articulated in the 2006 white paper, including the development of potential issues papers and identifying emerging issues
• Serves as the steering group for the Delaware Estuary Science Conference, as well as for ad hoc topical workshops if needed
• Assists in the synthesis of science conference proceedings and other contemporary science and resource management information to periodically refresh the Partnership’s estuary science needs assessment, such as that in the 2006 white paper
• Develops and maintains a current conceptual framework that integrates across physical, chemical, and biological dimensions of the system and defines the distinguishing structural and functional traits of the Delaware Estuary’s ecosystem
• Provides guidance and support to the larger science community regarding the creation, reorganization, and/or disbanding of specialized science and technical sub-committees and workgroups of the STAC that can help address overall needs expressed in the CCMP and 2006 white paper
• Facilitates communication and collaboration among other specialized science and technical committees in the region, and considers ways to help address their needs
• Helps to raise national awareness for the unique qualities and environmental importance of the Delaware Estuary
• Assists in identifying funding opportunities to address science needs and advance the overall NEP science agenda
• Contingent upon funding:
  • Assists in developing grant and contract programs operated by the Partnership to address science needs
  • Provides advice for the development of requests for proposals or contract solicitations
  • Engages qualified scientists to perform targeted research or contract work
  • Contributes expert scientific peer review of submitted proposal

Membership

The STAC should include representatives with complementary expertise in different disciplines. In part, the STAC is comprised of standing representatives from key partners and existing science and technical committees, including the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware River Basin Commission, Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Cooperative, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, Monitoring Advisory Committee, and the Toxics Advisory Committee. Members of the EIC nominate these standing representatives. The balance of the membership of the STAC is comprised of elected representatives.

Secondary considerations for STAC membership include a preference for geographic inclusiveness and balance among three Estuary states (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) and sub-regions (watershed, upper Estuary, bay); and representation by academia, non-governmental organizations, and state, regional, and federal agencies. Participation by scientists from industry and other private organizations is desirable.

Meetings

A schedule of regular STAC meetings will be established at the end of each calendar year. This calendar will be posted on the Partnership’s website along with a membership list for the STAC. Regular meetings of the STAC are open to the public and agendas for regular meetings will be posted on the Partnership’s website in advance.

Meetings of the STAC are held approximately each quarter at the Partnership's office in Wilmington. Visitors are welcome to attend and are invited to participate in discussions at the discretion of the chair or science advisor.

For more information

Please refer to the STAC Charter for more information. Questions, comments or suggestions regarding the STAC can be addressed to either Committee Chair, Susan Kilham, or Danielle Kreeger, lead Partnership staff member on the STAC