Group Presentation

 

Introduction:  A major part of working in a local, state, or federal agency, or in a consulting firm is to conduct literature research and prepare reports to inform constituencies of the status of certain issues, explore potential solutions to various problems, and to make a presentation concerning a new direction for an agency.  This activity is rarely performed by a single individual but is typically a group project.  This exercise will allow you to work in teams to prepare a report addressing one of the following issues:

 

Group I            The impact of sea level rise on the coastal infrastructure.  Sea level is projected to increase from a modest 30 cm to more than 1 meter between now and the year 2075.  What are the likely impacts of the rise in sea level?  What areas are most likely to be affected the most?  The least?  What must be done (and by whom) during the next 75 years as we prepare for this increase?  How should this be accomplished?

                       

 

           

 

Group II           Planning for the future of fisheries in the U.S.  During the past several decades, major fisheries have declined rapidly; some fisheries have actually collapsed.  Commercial fishermen are under considerable pressure to reduce their catches, recreational fishermen are agitating for increased creel limits, and various state and federal agencies are attempting to respond to the declining fish populations.  Is commercial fishing no longer a viable occupation?  Can fisheries now collapsed be rescued from extinction?

                       

           

           

                                     

Group III          Perceptions of beach users.  Whether you are talking to occasional beachcombers, beach homeowners, local governmental managers, non-governmental agency officials or federal bureaucrats, one finds that there is no lack of opinions about how to use and how to manage the beaches and other coastal amenities.  In order to manage beach environments effectively, many differing uses must be taken into consideration.  What are the perceptions about the importance and use of beaches by these different groups?  How can these differing opinions be reconciled in a coherent management plan?  

 

 

            

 

 Group IV        Protection of water quality in coastal environments.  Virtually everything that man does in the coastal area affects water quality and therefore, protection of water quality should have the highest priority in any coastal development.  What are the major factors influencing the quality of coastal waters and what impact do these factors have on water quality?  What agencies are responsible for maintaining water quality and what programs are in place or contemplated to assist in providing clean and safe waters?

                                   

 

           

 

Group V           Coastal storm mitigation programs and activities.  Hurricanes and nor'easters are a constant threat to the eastern and Gulf coasts of the United States.  Property losses and loss of life are of concern to individuals, institutions, and governments.  How are various organizational units responding to before, during and after storms?  What are the programs that are in effect to assist in storm mitigation?  Can these programs be relied upon to meet their obligations?  At what cost?  How is the insurance industry responding to the reality of storm damage?

 

 

           

 

Deliverables:  In preparation for the presentation, it is important to develop the materials and arrange the content for maximum impact on your audience.  The following timetable is established for these materials.               

 

Timetable for deliverables:

 

Date	Information	Comment
Tuesday, 5 October (note: one week after examination #1)	Topical outline	This outline should be one page in length and briefly present the major topics to be considered in your presentation.  Use electronic format; e-mail to hosier@uncw.edu
Tuesday, 26 October	References	This presentation should list in correct scientific reference style (see reference section in journals or monographs; librarians have web citation format).  Include all references used in the conduct of the research on your topic.  Use electronic format. This information will be uploaded to the web page.
Group I --  11 November; groups II and III -- 18 November; Groups IV and V -- 30 November	Powerpoint Presentation	Submit an electronic copy of the presentation portion of your report.  This report will be distributed to all members of the class via e-mail and will be placed on the web page.