BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Marine Science & Education Partnership

For more than 100 years, the study of Marine Science has been part of life of Carteret County, and Carteret County has been an important player in marine research, nationally and internationally.

We, the members of the Marine Science and Education Partnership (MSEP), are a coalition of directors of marine science institutions and agencies, and other concerned Carteret County leaders. We undertook to quantify our combined efforts in Carteret County so we could identify and enhance opportunities for the future.

We commissioned an independent economic analysis to examine these issues. We present the findings in our PDF downloadable MSEP - Newsletter, with great optimism. As a way of introducing or reintroducing ourselves, we also include profiles of member institutions that portray our work, our strengths and our philosophies.

Members currently represent nine marine science and education operations in Carteret County. We look forward to welcoming into the Partnership more organizations that share our vision.

The group first convened in 2002 at the invitation of Dave Inscoe, the executive director of the Carteret County Economic Development Council, who now serves as MSEP facilitator. Members met regularly for a year to discuss roles and impacts of our universities and agencies on the community, and how we could work together for the greater good both of our programs and Carteret County.

When we formalized into the Marine Science and Education Partnership in 2003, we established these important goals.

• To coordinate the efforts of individuals and institutions involved in marine science and education in Carteret County.
• To cooperate in the development and use of facilities to promote marine science and education in Carteret County.
• To use science, technology and education to enhance the climate for marine related-businesses and industry in Carteret County
• To promote public education regarding, and involvement in, issues of environment and development in coastal and marine areas.
• To assist citizens and public and private sector institutions in efficient, effective planning and management of the natural resources of coastal and marine environments.
• To educate the business community on economic and social impacts of the marine science and education community in Carteret County.
• To promote the education of local, state and national governmental officials regarding the joint accomplishments of the marine science and education efforts in Carteret County.
• To promote the value of marine science and education to the citizens of North Carolina.