To lead the development of predictive, multi-disciplinary, coastal
ecosystem-scale research to support sound management decisions
The coastal
ocean, estuaries,
and Great
Lakes are of immense economic
and environmental importance to the nation. Currently, more than half
of the U.S. population—141 million people—reside
within 50 miles of the coast, which occupies only 11 percent of the
land area of the lower 48 states.1
The cumulative effects of accelerated development, human
activities, and natural hydrologic and climatic patterns have degraded
many of the Nation’s water resources and aquatic environments
resulting in significant economic and social impact. The complex nature
and large-scale nature of many current environmental problems (e.g., climate
change, eutrophication, harmful
algal blooms, invasive
species, and
land-use change) require a coordinated, interdisciplinary, ecosystem
approach for their study and resolution.
CSCOR uses
a regional, multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and predicting
the impacts of natural and anthropogenic variability on coastal ecosystems,
communities, and economies. The main goal of CSCOR is
to improve predictions for coastal management through research to understand
and describe coastal systems; data synthesis and modeling to assess
and predict ecosystem conditions; and translation of scientific results
to engage, inform, and advise the public. CSCOR sponsors
competitive, peer-reviewed research to collaborate with and augment
NOAA-based research programs focused on the coastal ocean, estuaries,
and coastal margins.
1. Bookman, Charles A., Culliton, Thomas J.,
and Warren, Maureen A., Trends in U.S. coastal regions,
1970-1998: addendum to the proceedings, Trends and future challenges for
U.S. national ocean and coastal policy, U.S. Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA Oceans and Coasts, Special
Projects Office, Silver Spring, Md., 1999. Also available online.