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About Us

  • We conduct the anticipatory science necessary to predict and manage impacts of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems.

    RESEARCH ~ We conduct the anticipatory science necessary to predict and manage impacts of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems.

  • We make field observations and analyses on regional and national scales, and improve the accuracy, speed, and cost of monitoring approaches and tools.

    MONITORING ~ We make field observations and analyses on regional and national scales, and improve the accuracy, speed, and cost of monitoring approaches and tools.

  • We provide accurate information to decision-makers on the state of the marine environment, integrating information on distribution and ecology of living marine resources and their habitats for improved ecosystem-based management.

    ASSESSMENTS ~ We provide accurate information to decision-makers on the state of the marine environment, integrating information on distribution and ecology of living marine resources and their habitats for improved ecosystem-based management.

  • We help managers answer what if questions by building models to predict outcomes of proposed management strategies.

    ECOLOGICAL FORECASTING ~ We help managers answer "what if" questions by building models to predict outcomes of proposed management strategies.

  • We build capacity in the private, local, state, and tribal sectors by transferring technology and providing technical assistance.

    TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ~ We build capacity in the private, local, state, and tribal sectors by transferring technology and providing technical assistance.

  • We provide accurate information to decision-makers on the state of the marine environment, integrating information on distribution and ecology of living marine resources and their habitats for improved ecosystem-based management.

    ASSESSMENTS ~ We provide accurate information to decision-makers on the state of the marine environment, integrating information on distribution and ecology of living marine resources and their habitats for improved ecosystem-based management.

  • We conduct the anticipatory science necessary to predict and manage impacts of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems.

    RESEARCH ~ We conduct the anticipatory science necessary to predict and manage impacts of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems.

  • Mussel Watch

    MONITORING ~ We make field observations and analyses on regional and national scales, and improve the accuracy, speed, and cost of monitoring approaches and tools.

  • Lionfish Chefs

    RESEARCH ~ We conduct the anticipatory science necessary to predict and manage impacts of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems.

Solving environmental problems requires knowledge and power. Scientists have knowledge, but typically limited authority to change behavior. Decision-makers have power, but may lack in-depth knowledge of particular problems. Linking these two groups brings knowledge together with power to make informed decisions that can drive social change.

NCCOS works directly with managers, industry, regulators, and scientists to deliver relevant, timely, and accurate scientific information and tools.

NCCOS was formed within the National Ocean Service (NOS) in March 1999 as the focal point for coastal ocean science. Our research areas and strategy were selected in response to Federal legislation, stakeholder input, and in concert with our scientific expertise and capabilities. We work with the NOS Coastal Ocean Science Board to identify coastal management needs and to prioritize our efforts.

NCCOS capabilities include (details are in our Centers' pages):

Related Documents

If you're interested in reading more about the organization, feel free to download the NCCOS Overview document, or view our Strategic Plan.