Erica Seiden, Program Manager

Tell us about yourself and your work at NOS.

My name is Erica Seiden and I am the manager of the Office for Coastal Management’s (OCM) Ecosystems Program. We implement the National Estuarine Research Reserve System — a network of 30 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems in collaboration with and service to surrounding communities, as mandated by the Coastal Zone Management Act and made possible through partnerships with coastal states and territories. I have the privilege of working with teams throughout the country to develop programs, provide technical assistance, and leverage assets across NOAA to improve coastal management.

How did you get to where you are now in your career?

As a child, I had a curiosity and love for the coast. I steered my education toward understanding and supporting some of the coolest places on earth — estuaries — which have a unique confluence of our society, economy, and ecosystems. Through university and graduate school, I gained a deep understanding of the nexus of science and policy, and how coastal management involves and benefits local communities and their economies. I’m proud to have a rewarding career where I can apply my skills and knowledge to serve the people of this country. I really enjoy being part of a team of people with different backgrounds and perspectives to identify challenges, work systematically to tackle them, and then get to see positive impacts of our efforts.

How does your work benefit the public?

We, along with the entire reserve system, collaborate with a variety of state partners and decision-makers to share coastal knowledge, enhance skillsets, and support the preservation and management of the National Estuarine Research Reserves. Through these collaborative efforts, we help to ensure that communities are buffered from storms; fish have habitat to reproduce and grow in, so they can be harvested for generations to come; waterways remain healthy as estuaries filter polluted runoff from streetscapes; and locals and visitors can swim, kayak, fish, and enjoy the experience of being in a beautiful place.

What would you recommend to those who want to begin a career in your field?

Follow your passions, be open to opportunities that may lead you to places you can’t yet see, and work hard — even at things you may not enjoy, because every step is important. Know that whether you pursue a path in communications, science, policy, technology, or a job in the field or in an office, you can make a difference for people across our nation’s coastline.