Since 2005, the goal of the biennial Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit has been to bring together scientists, managers, restoration practitioners, and educators from different sectors to share the latest scientific information, network, and make ecological linkages that promote a better understanding of the watershed. The format is that of a conventional scientific meeting with abstracts, presentations and Q&A. While the focus is on the watershed of the Delaware River and Bay, presentations are welcome from other areas if they help to inform our understanding of this system.
The 2025 Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit was held February 11–12 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware. The 20th anniversary summit brought together more than 300 scientists, practitioners, and community members to hear over 70 presentations across the two-day event.
The theme, Bridging the Gap Between Science, Policy, and Action, guided discussions throughout the summit. Each day featured a keynote speaker: Tony MacDonald of the Urban Coast Institute and Rachel Hogan Carr of the Nurture Nature Center.
With more than 70 sessions, speakers explored a wide range of topics from technical research on diatoms in living shoreline projects and studies on PFAS, to the effects of dams on local fish species and community-based initiatives such as pollinator gardens and outdoor classrooms.
The event also included a special dinner honoring U.S. Senator Tom Carper for his years of service to the environment as a dedicated public servant and on the occasion of his retirement.
Calpine Corporation
ChristianaCare
Delaware Nature Society
dsm-firmenich
EA Engineering Science, & Technology, inc., PBC
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Delaware Sea Grant
In-Situ
Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP
The Nature Conservancy PAIDE
New Castle Conservation District
New Jersey Corporate Wetlands
Restoration Partnership
Pinelands Nursery
Princeton Hydro
Sarver Ecological
University of Delaware Water Resources Center
Additional funding support provided by:
