ecosystems in coastal areas
Estuaries
Estuaries, places where rivers meet the sea, are among the most productive environments for supporting commercial fisheries around the world and are vital to the economy. This makes the protection and restoration of these complex ecosystems particularly important. NOS is working to identify the link between human activities and ecological disturbances in estuarine environments. For example, researchers at the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science are using remote sensing and physical observation to provide coastal managers with the tools needed to protect public health, restore damaged habitats, and improve community interactions with surrounding ecosystems. For more information click here http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coastalecosci/
coral reefs
U.S. coral reef ecosystems cover less than one percent of the Earth's surface, yet are among the most diverse and productive communities on Earth and we rely on reef ecosystems for food, shelter, tourism and recreation. Despite the importance of reefs, these ecosystems are in trouble. NOS coastal ecosystem science is working to understand the extent of and reasons for the decline of coral reefs and to provide managers with more effective ways to protect them. From providing data and models help coastal managers predict the impacts of alternative management decisions regarding marine protected areas, fishing regulations, recreation use, pollutants, and coastal development, to performing inventories, developing maps, and monitoring coral reef ecosystems using computer and remote sensing technologies that inexpensively map coral reef ecosystems with increased speed and accuracy, NOS scientists are helping decision makers respond to changing environmental conditions. For more information click here http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coastalecosci/
coastal oceans
The coastal ocean encompasses a broad range of saltwater ecosystems, from estuaries and coral reefs to rocky shores and mangrove forests. NOS works to understand and anticipate changes in coastal ecosystems as they become stressed. For example, scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) are studying the warmer bottom water temperatures found along the continental shelf off North Carolina and how these temperatures are affecting the area's species composition. NCCOS is also evaluating different habitat restoration techniques for seagrass beds, oyster beds, and coral reefs. For more information click here http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coastalecosci/
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Last updated 4/29/13