Cutting-edge research in the areas of coastal processes, energy efficiency, hazards, stormwater management and tourism is the basis for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium's (MASGC) work with local communities regarding resilience.
The MASGC team works with growing coastal populations to apply the best-available scientific knowledge to coastal issues, such as increased demands on resources and vulnerability to coastal storms.
A resilient community has a vibrant economy, responds to and mitigates natural and technological hazards, and functions within the limits of its ecosystems. MASGC's unique research and engagement capabilities help coastal communities become more resilient.
MASGC is a regional leader on resilience issues, such as planning for hazardous events so residents, communities and industries are better prepared to respond, rebuild and recover from them. MASGC team members have relationships with local and regional community leaders, and together they work side by side with them to create and use new technologies and tools. These tools strengthen communities and allow leaders to make informed decisions that improve comprehensive planning.
MASGC encourages communities to be active in using natural and cultural resources to enhance their economies while balancing resource conservation and economic growth. It leads the Gulf Resilience Community of Practice. MASGC also encourages economic growth through its support of coastal industries, such as aquaculture, nature tourism, charter boat and recreational fishing, and seafood.
Projects
Sea Grant coastal adaptation and resilience: AI-enabled urban flood monitoring systems
The research team will use AI along with street-view cameras and advanced computer tools to quickly spot flooding and estimate how deep the water is in coastal cities in Alabama and Mississippi. By turning existing cameras into an AI-powered, real-time flood monitoring network, the team will capture local flood conditions that often go unnoticed and use this information to improve both emergency response and long-term planning. Researchers will also work closely with the City of Mobile and other community partners to design AI-supported tools that are useful, easy to understand and tailored to local needs. The results will help city officials, emergency managers and residents better prepare for flooding, reduce disruptions and make their communities safer and more resilient
Building the resilience of Gulf Coast blue economies in a changing world: A multiple case study
The research team will evaluate the impact of the Gulf of America Resilience Community of Practice and assess how coastal communities in Alabama and Mississippi adapt to growing environmental and economic challenges. Through case studies in Pass Christian and Biloxi in Mississippi and Bayou La Batre in Alabama, researchers will explore how local economies and cultural identities influence resilience priorities. Using interviews, focus groups and document analysis, the team will identify key barriers to CLIMATE adaptation and recommend practical ways Sea Grant can strengthen community-led resilience efforts.