A goal of CSCOR's climate research is the development of ecological models that lead to ecosystem forecasts. Decision makers need more complete understanding of ecosystem dynamics, structure and functional interrelationships to successfully protect our coastal and marine resources. Ecological models enable decision makers to draw conclusions for larger areas and longer periods since they allow quantitative understanding of ecosystems. The National Academy of Sciences, the National Science Board, and the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology all call for improvement in the capacity of ecosystem forecasting.
Ecological Forecasts can: