Thirty Years of Horseshoe Crab Surveys Reveal Increase in Species
Each year since 1990, volunteers from around the Delaware Bay estuary join forces to count and document these important, joint-legged arthropods.
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Students Care for Watersheds Using Traditional Hawaiian Practices
Participants in the Bay Watershed Education and Training program learn that culturally-based practices benefit the Heʻeia community’s environment and quality of life.
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Socially Distanced Volunteers Clean Up 9,000-Plus Pounds of Trash
Much credit for the impressive haul goes to the commonwealth’s coastal zone management program and the volunteers, who followed strict health and safety protocols.
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Restoration Dollars Bring Six Times the Return on Investment
A 2020 follow-up study confirms 2011 projections by calculating that a NOAA habitat restoration investment of $10 million is powering up the local economy by at least $57 million, with more benefits every year.
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Redesigned Parking Lot Improves Stormwater Management
When flooding caused parking and runoff issues, the Florida Coastal Management Program stepped in to fund a parking lot redesign with irrigation, a rain garden, and porous pavement that allows rainwater to pass into the ground below.
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Hawaii Scientists Cultivate and Replant Heat-Resistant Corals
Groundbreaking experiment in coral “assisted evolution” is made possible by the long-term support of NOAA and Hawaii partners.
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Washington Coastal Resilience Project Ups Hazard Readiness
New sea level rise projections and guidance are informing community policies, plans, development, and funding projects, with help from NOAA programs and grants.
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Alaska’s Digital Coast Fellow Boosts Community Storm Resilience
Community storm histories, an online tool, and flood-risk maps prompt a $1 million-plus resilience grant to aid 44 additional Alaska Native communities on the hazard frontlines.
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Pandemic Presents No Obstacle to North Carolina’s Achievements
In a year complicated by quarantine, the state’s research reserve personnel rack up awards and accomplishments.
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NOAA Helps Alaskans Plan for Imminent Threats and Future Resilience
A project to collect critical water-level information in remote communities is backed by NOAA’s geospatial services contract, technical assistance, and oceanographic data program.
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California Opens Up Public Access in a Big Way
Adventurers now exploring 1,000-plus miles of land and waterway trails owe much to the three agencies of California’s coastal zone management program.
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South Carolina Produces Award-Winning Report on Living Shorelines
Data, case studies, and a decision tree will improve regulations, the permitting process, and the ability of homeowners to select effective treatments for various shoreline conditions.
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A Road-Flooding Fix Is Coming to California State Park
Park visitors and bayside neighbors will enjoy a safer, more accessible area because a group organized by NOAA’s Science Collaborative studied and rated various adaptation options.
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New Metrics and Models Help Quantify Coastal Ecosystem Benefits
Research reserves are using these aids to understand and communicate how their projects promote cleaner water, improve resilience, expand habitat, and more.
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Digital Coast Program Gets “Blue Carbon” Added to U.S. Emissions Inventory
In a global first, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management ensures that the carbon stored in coastal ecosystems is being counted, aiding U.S. conservation efforts, greenhouse gas cuts, and “blue carbon” market trading.
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Council Approves Plan to Make Virginia Beach “Sea Level Wise”
Six-year study details urgently needed adaptation strategies, complete with potential benefits, costs, and challenges.
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Virginia Partnership Launches “Prevent Balloon Litter” Sites
The state’s coastal zone management program and partners offer ideas to lessen the threat, spotlighting fun and expressive ways to celebrate without producing litter.
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Coastal Program Chips in During Pandemic to Keep Beaches Clean
Unspent travel funds from Texas’ coastal zone management program will aid with beach maintenance expenses so local governments are able to keep the public safe as beaches reopen.
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California Balances Habitat Conservation with Public Beach Access
The California Coastal Commission acted on the pleas of local residents in a win for both environmental justice and public health.
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Program’s Leadership and Data Maps Lessen Ocean-Use Conflicts
As offshore wind energy comes to the state, the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program helps a variety of sectors air concerns and document existing ocean uses.
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Conservation Brings Windfall to Songbirds and Coastal Commerce
Decades of funding and technical support from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program save migratory songbird habitat and help funnel millions of extra dollars into the coastal ecotourism economy.
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Role-Play Workshops Accelerate County’s Adaptation Action
Officials and residents in South Carolina’s Georgetown County practiced working through adaptation-related decisions and trade-offs with the help of a South Carolina research reserve and NOAA’s Science Collaborative program.
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Florida Experiment Lessens Shoreline Damage from High-Energy Waves
A dual-defense strategy led to a 30- to-90-percent reduction in destructive wave energy.
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New Hampshire “Green Credits” Process Okayed by Two Regulators
“Credit for Going Green” provides a strategy for earning regulatory credits by installing natural buffers, plus a way to calculate buffer pollution-removal rates, with support from four national estuarine research reserves and NOAA’s Science Collaborative program.
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Community Leadership Paves the Way to Promising Erosion Treatment
A project that mimics aspects of cobble sand beaches virtually stopped the erosion of shoreline uplands in pilot studies aided by NOAA and Washington State’s coastal zone management program.
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Estuary Education Goes Virtual
NOAA’s National Estuarine Research Reserve System provides online tours, activity books, and more to teachers and students.
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Fire Safety Initiative Showcases Cultural and Ecological Connections
Collaboration between Oregon’s South Slough Research Reserve and local tribal groups ensures a maximum use of forest resources and plentiful opportunities for environmental education.
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U.S.-Mexico Partners Cut Borderlands Plastic and Marine Debris
The Tijuana River Research Reserve provides technical assistance and training for the effort.
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Officials and Tribal Groups Restore Wisconsin Point
This revitalized Lake Superior peninsula—a win for cultural, ecological, and recreational reasons—was made possible by $1.5 million in grants administered by Wisconsin’s coastal zone management program.
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Maryland Hosts New NOAA National Marine Sanctuary
Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary protects wetlands and the nation’s maritime history, aided by the state’s coastal zone management program.
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Oregon Reserve’s Paddle Sport Investments Spur Ecofriendly Tourism
The South Slough Research Reserve’s water trail system, tours, and outreach contribute to a growing South Coast market for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling adventures.
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NOAA Helps Protect Reefs That Boost Resilience and the Economy
A road improvement partnership on Puerto Rico’s Culebra Island lessens sediment and pollutants that harm this irreplaceable resource.
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Rookery Bay Ecotours Are Rewarding, in More Ways Than One
An innovative public-private partnership supports the work of the Rookery Bay Research Reserve while fostering estuary education and stewardship.
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Hudson and Harbor Day Offers Hands-On Estuary Education
Thousands of students equipped with waterproof waders and chemistry kits, sketch pads, and data sheets record estuary wonders with the help of New York’s Hudson River Research Reserve.
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Study Teases Out What Makes a Tidal Marsh “Happy” or “Unhappy”
Research reserve scientists and others explain marsh persistence with a twist on novelist Leo Tolstoy’s famous “happy families” opening line.
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Stream Flow Findings Benefit Alaska Salmon Stocks
A Hollings Scholar’s project at the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve will help resource managers better manage Chinook salmon.
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Fortified Tidal Crossing Will Stand Strong against Climate Change
A town’s culvert is now large enough to repel the next 100 years of intensifying hazards—and more tidal crossing fixes are on the way, thanks to a process co-led by the New Hampshire Coastal Program.
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Historic Pollution Settlement Awards $1 Million to Nurdle Patrol
The Mission-Aransas Research Reserve’s Nurdle Patrol documented plastic pellet pollution, evidence used to help reach an unprecedented $50 million settlement of a Clean Water Act lawsuit.
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NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer Boosts Wastewater Safety through 2070
This Digital Coast tool helped the Jackson County Utility Authority pick a wastewater treatment locale away from rising flood hazards, potentially saving millions in repair costs.
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Lake Superior Trail Improvements Support Bustling Ecotourism Sector
The Minnesota Coastal Zone Management Program, covering the state’s Lake Superior region, has invested more than $350,000 to enhance recreational trails, which bring millions of tourism dollars into the local economy.
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Student Marsh Plantings Save Shoreline from Devastating Hurricane
The Apalachicola Research Reserve’s environmental education program delivers real-life storm protection while bolstering the local habitat and ocean economy.
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NOAA-Supported Shell Reef Fortifies Tribal Way of Life
The Pointe-au-Chien people pushed back against floods and erosion by installing 200 tons of recycled oyster shells along a 400-foot shoreline.
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Study of 15 Research Reserves Finds Crabs Pose No Large-Scale Salt Marsh Threat
While specific crab species can cause local damage, rising seas appear to be a bigger threat to salt marshes nationwide.
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NOAA Support Sets the Stage for Disaster Recovery Preparedness Policy
It’s a good day when years of grants and tech assistance by NOAA and the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program lead to a new climate adaptation policy.
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Ohio Efforts Enhance Lake Erie Ecology and Economy
Two NOAA-supported projects bring together wetlands restoration and research with landscape conservation strategies.
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New Program Enriches 25 Years of Environmental Education
A stewardship program for older schoolchildren soon will join a popular, two-day field trip for fourth graders at Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Research Reserve.
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Research Reserve Adds Emotional Health Outreach after Hurricane
Local Hurricane Maria survivors can receive expert help for their trauma and stress, because the Jobos Bay Research Reserve connects them with appropriate resources.
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Expertise Speeds Sunken Vessel Removal after Hurricanes
Fast removal of hundreds of vessels, which had wreaked havoc and blocked much-needed supplies, was aided by the U.S. Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Program.
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Cross-Sector Campaigns Reduce Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam
Partners led by the U.S. Virgin Islands Coastal Management Program promote reusable and biodegradable products to cut trash and keep wildlife safer.
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Replanting Effort Is Restoring Estuary’s Lost Dunes
Volunteers fortify sand dunes against storm surge and erosion with help from the New Hampshire Coastal Management Program.
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Award-Winning Training Prepares Rhode Island for Rising Hazards
A course and outreach events, aided by the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve, help coastal officials consider resilience planning and check off state-mandated adaptation training.
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Oral Histories Shed Light on Georgia’s Family Fishing Culture
Interviews of family fishermen, a project supported by the Georgia Coastal Management Program, hold important lessons for today’s policy makers and resource managers.
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Debris Removal Leaves Weeks Bay Cleaner and Safer
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve worked with partners to haul away hazardous abandoned boats and other marine debris while raising boat owners’ awareness.
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Coastal Grant Initiates Bat-Monitoring Towers across Pennsylvania
Approximately 50 monitoring towers provide the “missing link” in bat migration data—a must for Lake Erie offshore planning—and NOAA, the Pennsylvania Coastal Program, and Texas Tech made the first two towers possible.
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Volunteers Plant New Forest to Stem Grass Fire and Runoff Risks
More than 10,000 new trees make communities safer and help protect coral reefs, shorelines, and ecotourism, thanks to partners that include the Guam Coastal Management Program and NOAA.
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Wetlands Restoration Is Fulfilling a Community Vision
Heʻeia’s restored wetlands on Oahu are already providing benefits such as increased food security, water quality, and native species.
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An Entire Year of Reef Education Inspires Guam Residents
Guam Year of the Reef offered over 50 public events and a museum exhibit to educate thousands on protecting this resource.
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Monitoring Increases Kayaker Safety at Wisconsin National Park
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and partners installed an award-winning monitoring system for sea cave explorers at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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Oregon Jurisdictions Bolster Tsunami Resilience
Ten jurisdictions have lessened risks to life and property, with the help of Oregon’s coastal zone management program.
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Guam’s Coral Partners Mitigate Thorny Issue
NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program joins others in tackling damage from crown of thorns sea stars.
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Filtration System Keeps Saipan Lagoon Cleaner
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ coastal program made the system feasible by updating environmental regulations and fining those who don’t comply.
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Eye in Sky Monitors Resource Threats
Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s an unmanned aerial vehicle used by a Pacific commonwealth’s coastal program to spot natural resource dangers.
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LaoLao Bay Dive Path Will Reduce Reef Impacts
Coastal program design that keeps divers to a set path is likely to improve coral health and recruitment.
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Accessible Boardwalk Will Promote Habitat Protection and Education
The commonwealth’s coastal program joined a multi-partner effort to protect water quality and important wildlife and marine species.
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Journal Features Largest Collection of Scientific Publications by Native Hawaiians
The He‘eia Research Reserve contributed to field studies and editorial leadership.
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Green Infrastructure Improves Stormwater Management in Guam
Green roofs, cisterns, and rain gardens: Guam’s Coastal Management Program is taking a comprehensive approach to flooding and stormwater management.
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Coastal Grant Restores Town Landmark in Crown Point
The restoration of a 140-year-old bridge, a site for cultural and architectural education, was given a boost by Indiana’s coastal program.
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Wild Rice Initiative Will Restore Native Coastal Wetland Species
A NOAA-supported project to map Lake Superior locations of wild rice and foster its cultivation preserves the cultural legacy of the region’s Native Americans.
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Training Inspires Homer to Advance Green Infrastructure
After trainings, officials use course materials in clean-water efforts and seek to remove green infrastructure barriers.
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Research Reserve Plays Key Role in Disaster Prevention and Response
The Padilla Bay Research Reserve’s expertise and data inform a plan to protect natural resources from oil-spill disasters.
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Newly Trained Law Enforcement Officers Guard Natural Treasures
Graduates of a new academy, supported by NOAA Corals, enforce environmental and resource laws.
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New Research Reserve Findings Back Up Marine Debris Campaign
New findings and a campaign by the Mission-Aransas Research Reserve are tackling Texas' marine debris problem.
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Hawaii and NOAA Corals Partner on Healthier Reefs
NOAA works to bolster reef resilience and lessen stressors.
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Digital Coast Aids Post-Maria Resilience Three Ways
Puerto Rico is building back stronger with a Digital Coast tool and trainings in flood mapping and green infrastructure.
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Charleston Again Turns to NOAA for Sea Level Rise Guidance
A Digital Coast expert's sea level rise briefing moves officials to recommend higher elevations on new buildings.
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Wisconsin’s Coastal Program Invests in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley
Former abandoned area is on strong path to recovery. Sustainable design standards, new parks, trails, and stormwater approaches pave the way toward a better future.
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Education Program Takes Root in Illinois Classrooms
What started with a single school has expanded to educate over 1,500 students on the ins and outs of the water cycle and the importance of Lake Michigan.
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“Day in the Life of a Samoan” Gives Tourists a Taste of Island Life
American Samoa’s coastal program partnered with the visitors bureau to promote local culture, coastal stewardship, and economic development.
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Good Neighbor Septic System Campaign Safeguards Waterways and Public Health
Thousands of Indiana’s coastal residents now know simple steps to keep systems operating smoothly.
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Coastal Ecotourism Workshops Make a Big Splash
The state’s booming tourism industry gains 130 people trained to lead gentle explorations of coastal habitats.
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Waukegan’s Harbor Cleanup Revitalizes City Scene
Harbor’s clean bill of health strengthens the lakefront’s appeal as a recreational and cultural hub for the community.
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Tech Partners Track Turtle Species at Risk
An app gathers portable, shareable data on the diamondback terrapin and an invasive snail species.
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Targeted Outreach Tackles Invasive Eucalyptus Threat
The Elkhorn Slough Research Reserve’s approved plan to remove some invasive eucalyptus and replant with native species will leave a healthier, more diverse ecosystem.
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‘Use-Local’ Sediment Policies Bring Resilience and Industry Bonuses
New Round Island illustrates perks of using local dredge material in restoration projects.
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Refinery Explosion Brings Immediate Action from Research Reserve
The Lake Superior Research Reserve helped officials address public concerns about water, air, and food safety.
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Illustrated Drain Markers Focus on Sustainable Wastewater Practices
Alabama community sports winning wildlife designs and one thousand storm drain markers.
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Flood-Control Investments Bring Big Returns
A Lake Superior city has likely avoided millions of dollars in flood damage through smart stormwater planning.
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Beaver Island Water Trail Grows Paddling and Ecotourism Opportunities
New destination for paddlers burnishes Michigan’s reputation as “The Trails State.”
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NOAA Funds Ensure That a Treasured Campground Stays Intact
NOAA and the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program led a study that resulted in moving a beloved campground to a safer location.
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Watershed Management Plan Protects Economy and Ecology
Steps to improve watershed health help safeguard area’s tourism and recreation sector.
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Sapelo Island Seedlings Harvested for National African American Museum
The Sapelo Island Research Reserve played an important role.
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Veterans Benefit from Nature’s Power to Heal and Teach
Programs help military veterans adjust to civilian life through on-the job training and outdoor activities.
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Parasite-Host Findings Aid Knowledge of Temperature Impacts
Research reserve data from seven states contributed to one of the first U.S. studies to quantify how temperature-parasite interactions affect the survival of both parasites and their hosts.
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NOAA Expands Coastal Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Creating sign language for “estuary” and other coastal terms, and trails that accommodate wheelchairs and the needs of the visually impaired—these are just two of the contributions from research reserves and coastal zone management programs.
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Cold-Stun Alert Aids Fishery Managers and Seatrout Stocks
The alerts’ real-time monitoring data comes from three research reserves in Virginia and South Carolina.
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Learning about Estuarine Ecosystems in American Sign Language
Three New England research reserves, the Center for Research and Training at The Learning Center for the Deaf, and Boston University create an immersive instructional experience for educators of the Deaf, aided by a NOAA grant.
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NOAA Funding Improves Visitor Access and Safety at Research Reserve
On the way is a new stormwater filtering system and upgraded parking, walkway, and school bus areas.
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Program Promotes Wetland Restoration by Reducing Regulatory Burden
The Louisiana coastal program led an innovative fee initiative that helps restore local wetlands vital to the commercial fishing industry.
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Nature-Based Shoreline Workshops Given Top Marks
An overwhelming majority of Lake Erie shoreline engineers, designers, and landowners surveyed intend to apply what they learned.
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“Blue Economy” Initiative Aims to Expand Commercial Port Use
Boosters analyze industry’s strengths, promoting its sustainability and other pluses.
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Lake Superior Harbor Reopens Three Years after Devastating Storm
New amenities and improved infrastructure strengthen the local economy and make Saxon Harbor visitors safer, thanks in part to the Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management Program.
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Recycled Materials Fashion Show Funds Cleanup and Restoration
Fishing, birding, and canoeing at Pipe Creek Wildlife Area is becoming a scenic pleasure again.
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Former Industrial Brownfield Becomes Lake Michigan Park
State coastal management program funds community trails, storm-resilient natural infrastructure, and more.
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Trail Extension to Benefit Philly’s Walkers and Cyclists
A NOAA grant helped leverage $36 million for the extension, part of an urban revitalization effort expected to enhance hazard resilience and the economy.
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Rain Barrel Expo Stems Runoff with Crowd-Pleasing Campaign
“Don’t Give Up the Drip” rainbarrels decorated by local artists, and displayed by businesses, bring stormwater management issue front and center.
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Lake Superior Estuarium Tells Estuary and Great Lake Story
This research reserve attraction provides family-friendly activities and exhibits exploring the area’s ecosystem, natural history, and cultural richness.
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“Heart of the Lakes” Videos Capture the Power of Nature
The importance of Great Lakes conservation comes alive in first-person digital stories.
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MarineCadastre.gov Aids Reef Site Selection
Scientists used vessel-traffic data and maps when considering the best reef spot for boosting the vulnerable Lake Sturgeon population.
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NOAA Seed Money Leads to Hawaii Tool—and Groundbreaking Adaptation Policies
Hawaii is incorporating sea-level rise science into state planning processes—and a tool supported by NOAA plays an important role.
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Community Vision Rejuvenates Chicago Recreation Area
An urban oasis long described as a “hidden gem” is becoming a destination park once again, with improvements supported and managed by Illinois’ coastal management program.
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Tool Helps Safeguard Coastal Habitat While Cutting Red Tape
Oregonians can more easily spot vulnerable resources, thanks to tool from the state’s coastal management program.
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Creating a Flood-Ready Community
A leadership training, now in its fifth year, has taught one hundred-plus participants ways to lessen local flood risks by enacting practical plans, codes, and ordinances.
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NOAA Rehabs Puerto Rico Reefs,Trails, and Flood Maps
The agency joined with partners to reattach more than 7,000 coral reef fragments, restore a research reserve’s entire trail system, and provide flood-risk maps and training.
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San Diego County Benefits from Adaptation Strategy
Fourteen adaptation planning initiatives are taking place in nine cities with the help of a NOAA grant and a local research reserve.
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Fort Lauderdale Walks the Talk on Climate Adaptation
Officials are cutting flood dangers in 16 areas, and a study supported by NOAA and the state coastal management program paved the way.
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NOAA Advances “Blue Carbon” Approach to Conserving Wetlands
Happenings include research reserve tools and workshops and the addition of coastal ecosystem carbon to the U.S. greenhouse gas inventory.
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Fast-Tracked Permits Nourish Beaches and Habitat
Beach renourishment permits in North Carolina now can be issued in as little as 35 days. These permits previously took up to 135 days to complete.
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Tool Reduces Ocean Conflicts
Offering a cohesive approach to offshore management, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan aids industries connected to offshore energy, tourism, undersea cables, and marine traffic.
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Tide Station Data Can Be Lifesaving
Near-real-time data, plus research reserve expertise, helped a Maine fire chief decide to evacuate residents during a fierce nor’easter.
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Federal Contracting Vehicle Benefits State and Local Efforts
The vehicle makes available tens of millions of dollars for geospatial projects and helps officials respond quickly when disasters strike.
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Three Reserves Beat Back Green Crab Threat
Early detection and action (more than 192 traps at 83-plus sites) stops this predator from wrecking the shellfish industry.
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Website Shows People Where to Fish, Swim, and Play
Providing public access information helps promote recreation and tourism, which fuels Virginia’s ocean economy.
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Plan and Legislation Secure Economic Vitality of Working Waterfronts
Five new bills will help promote and protect economic activity along Virginia’s waterfront communities.
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Towns Will Cut Flooding While Boosting Public Access and Compliance
Virginia’s coastal towns will identify sites to protect and restore that fulfill a variety of needs.
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Coast Smart Program Cuts Hazard Risks for Communities
Over $1.6 million benefits 23 coastal communities. Many projects are using natural infrastructure to make communities more resilient.
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Volunteers Clear 2,500 Pounds of Marine Debris in 24 Hours
A super moon created ideal conditions for the cleanup, co-led by Florida Coastal Management Program staff.
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Plastic Litter Gets Second Life as Toiletry Packaging
2,000 pounds of rigid plastic litter becomes new Proctor and Gamble shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, and other products.
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Grant Helps Turn Rochester Lot into Great Lakes Tourism Destination
A new marina bringing hundreds of new jobs and millions into the local economy was made possible by a grant and technical assistance from the New York Coastal Zone Management Program.
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Coastal Office Clears Scores of Abandoned Vessels Post-Hurricane
Staff members completed 50 vessel assessments and 38 vessel removals while guiding the protection of wildlife and sensitive areas.
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Businesses Get Customized Hazard-Readiness Scores and Recommendations
The research reserve administered a self-assessment for businesses to become more resilient in the face of hazardous weather.
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Pump Saves City from Hurricane-Related Flood Damage
A new, large-capacity stormwater pump purchased with a NOAA Regional Coastal Resilience Grant helped Florida’s New Port Richey recover faster following a hurricane.
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Program Fosters Visibly Cleaner Boatyard and Marina Waters
Improvement to water quality helps draw more recreational activity, which boosts the economy.
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Workshop Helps Communities Better Estimate Working Waterfront Economy
Officials are using the economic-analysis methods and resources provided to pinpoint economic strengths and grow the economy of tomorrow.
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Research Uncovers Water Pollution Sources and Recommended Actions
Digital Coast land cover data helped the coastal program study a trout stream’s water quality.
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Chesapeake Bay Initiative Educates Hundreds of Virginia Students
Chesapeake Bay Research Reserve-Virginia partners with local teachers to educate students about the country’s largest watershed.
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Environmental Monitoring Benefits Ecosystem, Economy, and Citizens
The System-Wide Monitoring Program has logged over 71 million observations that inform decisions about storm resilience, water quality, public safety, and much more.
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Reserve Findings Fortify Coastal Communities
Data from the System-Wide Monitoring Program inform adaptation projects throughout the coastal zone.
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Reserve Data Help Safeguard Community and Watershed Health
The System-Wide Monitoring Program detects estuary pollutant levels, toxic shellfish dangers, and many other threats to people and the environment.
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Multimillion-Dollar Shellfish Economy Depends on Research Reserve Data
By monitoring oxygen, eelgrass health, and other marsh variables, the data system supports shellfish habitat and commercial yields.
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First-Ever National Marsh Assessment Tool
Research reserves determine methodology for calculating sea level rise impact on the marsh and test it in 16 locations. Methodology standardizes the effort and creates a national approach.
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Digital Coast Site Provides $125 Million in Lidar Data
More than 30,000 Digital Coast users, including many in the private sector, have downloaded lidar data at no cost to address coast-related issues.
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Sewer Pond Turned into a Thriving Wildlife “Jewel”
The payoff includes cleaner water and an increasing number of migratory birds and tourists.
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Coastal Land Cover Partnership Also Benefits Forests and Birds
Digital Coast and U.S. Forest Service collaboration produces better product at lower cost.
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Adaptation Plan Cuts Irma Damage and Saves Money
NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer, trainings, and tidal gauge helped Tybee Island boost safety and lower flood insurance costs.
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Reserve Reaps Green Infrastructure Benefits and Bolsters Recovery Investments
The reserve’s natural areas protected homes and businesses from five-foot storm surge, and its disaster planning and hurricane-resistant construction helped to safeguard facilities and equipment.
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Urban Golf Course-Turned-Wetland Cuts Hurricane Harvey Flood Impacts
The project, supported by Texas’ coastal zone management program, will provide recreational opportunities and slash flood risks for thousands of area homes.
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Planning for Florida’s Rising Tides
Flagler County is using GIS and marsh migration modeling in their adaptation planning efforts.
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NOAA Grants Improve Disaster Resilience, Recovery, and Redevelopment
Eleven coastal counties will benefit from an adaptation report that NOAA and the Georgia Coastal Management Program made possible.
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Erosion Response Planning Proven Effective after Harvey
Protected dunes returned the favor and lessened storm surge.
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Reserves Help Certify Hundreds of “Green Landscaping” Trainers
More than 200 people have taken the course, which three research reserves helped develop and coordinate.
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Storm Preparations Pay Off
Emergency permitting program helped state return to normal, faster, after Hurricane Mathew.
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Kachemak Bay Reserve Alerts Thousands to Poisoned Shellfish Dangers
Communicating harmful conditions helps keep shellfish consumers safe.
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Reserve “Scrubs” Brush and Trees to Beat Back Wildfire Risks
These techniques lessen “dry wood” dangers and support wildlife.
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Games at Three Research Reserves Supercharge Estuary Education
These interactive games, co-developed with 140 University of Delaware students, help users understand how specific actions can help, or hurt, wetland creatures and habitats.
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First-Ever Coral Recovery Plan Gets Buy-In
Hawai‘i and the NOAA Coral Program’s cooperative agreement made this possible. Network of no-take zones and fishery management areas represent top two recommendations.
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Digital Coast Helps Shore Up Public Safety Amid Flood Risks
Improving infrastructure before the storm hits is the goal.
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Post-Sandy Preparedness Is Increasing Safety and Saving Money
Coastal communities are using a self-assessment website and other tools to up their resilience game.
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Training Exercise Yields 450 Miles of Vulnerability Information
Participants, led by Digital Coast and South Slough Research Reserve trainers, identified 90-plus community assets at risk from climate change and tsunamis.
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Course Graduates Protect Western Burrowing Owl
Most participants in this Elkhorn Slough Research Reserve workshop later use skills to bolster species protection and habitat conditions.
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Citizen Scientists Catch Eels—and Valuable Data
Over 700 people participate in this catch, count, and release effort. Data collected helps further our understanding of habitat losses or gains, shifts in the food web, and other ecosystem changes.
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Groundbreaking Study Uses Reserves to Evaluate Restoration Success
Newly standardized performance measures make it easier and more economical to evaluate wetland restoration projects.
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NOAA Training Graduates Are Safeguarding Coastal Communities
Ninety-six percent of survey respondents credited Digital Coast Academy with providing job skills and knowledge.
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Trainees Learn to Guide Collaborative Meetings to Finish Line
Participants in “Planning and Facilitating Collaborative Meetings” say it helps them keep discussions productive and makes reaching consensus more likely.
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Green Infrastructure Trainees Put Principles into Practice
Course graduates are given the skills to help lessen flooding and improve water quality in their communities.
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Course Connects Dots between Planning and Measurable Results
“Adaptation Planning for Coastal Communities” helps participants increase project effectiveness, leading to better outcomes.
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Adaptation Training Brings On-the-Ground Results
Course graduates say it helped them jump-start resilience initiatives and better discern which adaptation strategies can work locally.
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Teacher Workshop Makes Estuary Science Come Alive
Virginia teachers take this priceless experience back to their classrooms and transfer knowledge to their students.
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Students in Three States Learn Hands-On Marsh Restoration
Project involves 32,000+ students collecting, cultivating, and transplanting, all in the name of restoration.
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Master Plan Covers 367-Mile Texas Coast
Dunes, beaches, wetlands, oyster reefs, and a rookery island will be restored.
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NOAA-Funded Helicopter Tool Tracks Shifting Sands
New technology approach, funded through a coastal management grant, provides information helpful for addressing an annual $3 million problem associated with sand movement and resulting dredging needs.
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Dredging and Seeds Help Restore Marsh Ecology
Restoration project uses dredged sand to deepen channel and build up marsh banks being lost to sea level rise.
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Aquarium Tool Uses Sea Level Rise Viewer
Visitors see how, where, and under what conditions flooding is likely to occur.
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Collaboration Aids Fishermen and Offshore Wind Management
Fine-scale maps of Virginia fishing locations will aid future planning efforts.
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Living Shorelines Move from Plans to Reality
A new accomplishments report proves that the state’s living shorelines strategy is bearing fruit.
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Livestreams Alert Beachgoers to Dangerous Currents
Rip current conditions provided for Duluth, Port of Washington, and Milwaukee.
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Lifesaving Beach Initiative Reaches More than a Million
NOAA and Wisconsin's coastal program deliver life jackets and a social media campaign.
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Habitat and Ecotourism Flourish at Lake Erie Bluffs
Coastal Zone Management leadership and NOAA grants helped purchase a 600-acre site that is good for wildlife, good for the public, and good for the environment.
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Cost-Effective Wild Hog Strategy Saves Habitat and Species
The coastal management program used a helicopter to quickly cover 39,000 acres and eliminate habitat-destroying hogs.
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Virginia Features World’s Most Successful Eelgrass Restoration Project
Project partners have grown this estuary resource from zero to 9,000 acres, thanks to continuous support from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.
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Lidar of Pre-History Settlement Informs Adaptation Today
Digital Coast data were used to document shoreline changes over time and peer into the future.
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Garden and Shoreline Projects Combat Coral-Harming Pollution
Coral Reef program co-leads volunteer efforts to plant native vegetation that helps absorb runoff and fortify vulnerable shorelines.
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Partnership Increases Impact, Saves Money
The Rookery Bay Research Reserve and Florida International University make resources go farther by sharing staff, facilities, and other assets.
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NOAA Research Reserve Is a First for Pacific Islands
This research reserve protects 1,385 acres.
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County Scraps Hard Structure Plan for Natural Shoreline
An Ocean Springs park is less flood prone and more scenic, thanks to natural infrastructure informed by the NOAA Digital Coast’s Sea Level Rise Viewer.
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Assessment Reveals Estuary’s Economic and Social Value
Research reserve study says area households would be willing to pay millions for restoring estuary health, reaping rewards for fisheries and quality of life.
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Accessible Launch Boosts Local Ecotourism and Revitalization
People of all mobility levels can use the new paddle-sports launch, which will draw visitors to the area’s trail system.
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Study on Coral-Harming Chemical Spurs Corrective Action
Several states are looking at limiting sunscreen pollution, thanks to support from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and others.
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NOAA Assesses Tidal Marsh Resilience
In a first, NOAA scientists standardized a multi-measurement assessment of tidal marsh resilience to sea level rise.
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Superstorm Sandy NOAA Disaster Relief Appropriations
The $2.4 million award emphasized partnerships and region-based, multifaceted solutions. The projects, many focused on natural infrastructure, frequently led to changes to local and state ordinances.
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Study Shows Public Willingness to Invest in Restoration
New York City households willing to pay 3.3 times more for nature-based approaches.
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Protection Measures for Trout Habitat
The coastal management program and partners investigate causes and cures for declines in Lake Superior tributaries.
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NOAA Funding Benefits Massive Flood-Control Initiative
A NOAA grant was used to assess natural infrastructure performance after Hurricane Sandy. Also developed: a web-based tool used to analyze natural infrastructure investments and identify parcels likely to provide the most benefits.
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Imitating Nature to Decrease Future Flooding
A $450,000 NOAA grant was used to ID alternative erosion-control approaches and where sea level rise is mostly likely to impact salt marsh.
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Funded Research Leads to New Living Shorelines
Information and tools about living shorelines were developed using a $425,000 NOAA grant.
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City Planning Includes Updated Resilience Strategies
A $425,000 NOAA award provided the resources needed to identify vulnerabilities and develop evacuation plans, revise stormwater management plans, and implement living shorelines. Also created—a vulnerability index map for all 239 coastal municipalities.
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Annual Erie Coast Event Cleans Away 61,000-Plus Items
Trash findings spurred policy changes that leave beaches cleaner.
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Study Finds Mainers Would Make Tradeoffs to Preserve Ecosystem Services
Wells research reserve helped develop a way to estimate ecosystem values and tradeoffs—useful information for making difficult decisions about the environment.
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Digital Coast Aids Waterfront Economic Strategy
Using NOAA Digital Coast’s economic data and process, this community made a strong case for investing in tomorrow’s waterfront economy.
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Coastal Program Helps Birds Take a “Tern” for the Better
At-risk species on Interstate Island is nesting and breeding again.
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Team OCEAN Focuses on Boaters and Beachgoers
Volunteers make weekly visits to improve boating safety and environmental awareness.
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San Francisco Bay Reserve Partners with Smithsonian Institution on Estuary Research
A global study uses research reserve monitoring data to uncover potential climate change impacts to the marine environment.
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Lidar-Derived Waterway Data Reveals Runoff Threats
Digital Coast data were used to create high-resolution waterway maps.
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“Greening” of Barren Hillsides Lets Sun Shine Bright on Corals
Project funded and led by NOAA corals program turns dusty hillsides green again, dramatically lessening sediment runoff that had formerly blocked sunlight and buried corals in layers of soil.
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Clean-Water Turnaround for Northern Lake Erie Coast
A project aimed at lessening flooding and improving water quality through stormwater reduction resulted in water-absorbing plants and other “best practice” methods being installed in various spots across Lake Erie’s northern coast.
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Community Boosts Future Flood Resilience during Post-Sandy Recovery
Elevated roads, replacement of a major city well, strengthened erosion barriers, and fortified building requirements made the city safer and lowers federal flood insurance rates.
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NOAA Funding Expands Middle Bass Island Wetlands Preserve
Conservation partners are using NOAA funding to double the size of an Ohio island preserve and protect valuable habitat.
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Hampton Roads’ Sea Level Rise Adaptation Advances on Multiple Fronts
The area has several projects underway to help improve current conditions and plan for the future.
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Grants to Satellite Beach Clear Path for Adaptation Action
NOAA and the state’s coastal program provided early funding for the City of Satellite Beach’s sustainability plan.
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Turning to Nature to Address Coastal Erosion
NOAA grant used for Nature Conservancy initiative.
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Navy Pier Project Serves as Model for Natural Infrastructure Techniques
A grant from the coastal management program helped turn this old pier into a public, environment-friendly space.
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Data Models Sea Level Rise Exposure for Future Populations
Digital Coast data informed climate adaptation strategies throughout the coastal zone.
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Offshore Renewable Energy Planning
The Oregon Coastal Management Program will help ensure that ocean uses and natural resources are considered in wave energy plans.
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Coastal Hazards Resilience Network
Partners join forces to focus on multi-hazard planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.
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Red Cross Using NOAA Tool to Pinpoint Vulnerable Populations
NOAA’s Coastal County Snapshots help responders understand situation complexities.
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Grants and Regional Group Tackle Coastal Flooding Concerns
More than 39 of Maine’s coastal communities benefited from resilience-related data and technical assistance.
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Partnering to Support Clean Marina Program
The Michigan Coastal Program certifies marinas and educates boaters to protect water resources.
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Relocation of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County
California’s coastal zone management program was part of the team that negotiated this sensitive effort. End results included a road moved inland and new park and visitor facilities.
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Fautasi Coastal Challenge Leads Stewardship Efforts
A race of traditional long canoes creates a platform for islanders to learn about coastal challenges. The effort was established by American Samoa’s coastal zone management program.
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Environmental Education Supports Tribal Harvests
Schools throughout this Wisconsin region are using the education model, which integrates scientific research with real-world evidence.
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Visualizing Locally Relevant Sea Level Rise Scenarios
Coastal management program uses NOAA products to upgrade local and regional planning efforts.
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Smart Planning Leads to America’s First Offshore Wind Farm
CZM program co-led the development of a comprehensive, science-based ocean planning approach that minimizes use conflicts and protects natural resources. The public is reaping big benefits.
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Protecting Wetland Forests from Invasive Species
One project is underway to identify a resilient tree to replace the ill-fated ash.
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Headwaters Important for Salmon Health
A reserve research documents the importance of headwater streams; conservation interests take note.
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Climate Trainings Started Here Impact other Coastal States
Washington workshop gives planners local data and provides examples of successful adaptation strategies.
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Invasive Cordgrass Eradicated in Padilla Bay
Natural resource managers benefit from Padilla Bay’s experience in removing and controlling invasive species.
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Forest Management Program Developed by Research Reserve
Maine is the most forested state in the nation; good forest management practices play an important role in maintaining water quality and wildlife habitat.
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Project Rescues Wetlands from Sea Level Rise
The restoration also expands otter habitat and safeguards a super-efficient “blue carbon” source, with help from the Elkhorn Slough Research Reserve.
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Study Provides Baseline Data and Triages Adaptation Needs
Precision models help Alaska assess vulnerability amid glacial melt and coastal uplift.
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New Policies Please Hunters and the Reserves
Hunting grounds are clearly marked, and hunting passes are required.
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Citizens Lead the Way as Communities Prepare for Climate Change Impacts
Tools help local leaders face environmental and economic challenges, thanks to the South Slough Research Reserve and other partners.
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Using Lidar to Plan for Sea Level Rise
Data and imagery of dikes and levees will help Oregon size up future flooding risks and prioritize wetland restoration projects.
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First Tribal National Park in United States
This 89-acre portion of Red Cliff Reservation protects lands that are culturally and environmentally significant.
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Protecting Water Quality through Marsh Restoration
Study determines marsh restoration cost and effectiveness; a 50 percent planting density seems to be the magic number.
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A Future for Native Oysters along the Pacific Coast
Data and tools from three West Coast research reserves allow officials to choose restoration “sweet spots” for bringing back declining oyster grounds.
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Water Trails Spur Ecotourism
Water trails represent a way to promote use and enjoyment of Michigan’s shoreline and spur economic development.
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Academic and Governmental Partnership Leads to Safer Lake Michigan Surf
Real-time forecasting system keeps swimmers safer by detecting hazardous wave conditions.
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Major Flood Forecast Gap Repaired for Houston Area
High resolution data from the Digital Coast show how buildings and infrastructure will be affected by floodwaters.
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Identifying Habitat Loss, Prioritizing Restoration
Local partners are working together to restore and preserve natural habitats.
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Adaptation Planning Paid Off for This Community
NOAA tools were used to adjust building codes and land use policies, implement nature-based solutions, and incorporate climate change. Actions paid off when Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy hit.
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Volunteer Storm Team Elevates Water Quality Issues
This effort helps coastal officials make decisions about shellfish harvesting.
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A Social Marketing Campaign Targets Litter in Laolao Bay
Funding from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program made successful campaign possible; Saipan officials are inspired to use the approach again.
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Research Reserve Became State’s First 100% Solar-Powered Nonprofit
The effort is generating 73,000 kilowatt hours and offsets 90,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
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Identifying Sources of Pollution That Affect Coral Reef Communities
Digital Coast land cover and coral data map the relationship between people and nature.
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Getting City Kids to the Shore
More than 10,000 kids see the beach for the first time and learn about coastal stewardship through this Coastal Management Program-funded effort.
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Bluff and Shore Erosion Hotspots Identified for Lake Michigan Shoreline
Planners will use this information, funded through the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, to lessen future erosion risks.
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Beach Access and Water Quality App Released
Visitors can get directions and information about more than 620 public access points.
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Assessing the Delaware River Basin Using Land Cover Information
Data showed that land development averaged 19 football fields per day over a five-year period.
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