Abstract

Sea level rise has the potential to significantly impact Delaware’s economy, coastal resources and communities over the next several decades. Rising sea levels can submerge low-lying lands; erode beaches; convert wetlands to open water; contribute to more severe coastal flooding; and increase the salinity of estuaries and aquifers.

The purpose of this compendium is to provide an at-a-glance inventory and timeline of projects (see pages 4-6) that are currently underway as part of the Delaware Coastal Programs’ Sea Level Rise Initiative. It also provides a way to visualize how these projects fit together. Projects conducted by other agencies are not represented in this document, but there are many other agencies whose work will be essential to preparing for sea level rise and coastal inundation.
The projects listed in this document are evolving. The timelines, process and intended outcomes of each project within this compendium are subject to change. However, it is the intent to update this document on a routine basis so that our partner agencies can be kept up to date on sea level rise activities.

Affiliated Organizations

Delaware Coastal Management Program

The management of Delaware’s coastal resources is shared by a number of entities within the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

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