Healthy Coastal Ecosystems (HCE)

- GOALS -

Goal: Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal environment.

To realize the full potential of ecosystem-based management approaches, we need research that will lead to better understanding of present day conditions, basic ecosystem processes, the impacts of coastal and upland land uses on the health of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes environments, and the importance of healthy ecosystems to healthy fisheries. We also need to know more about how to transform our new knowledge and understandings into sound management principles and practices. Sea Grant will continue to build the scientific foundation needed by supporting research that provides accurate information related to ecosystem health and by accelerating the transfer of this information to coastal residents, resource managers, businesses and industries.

Strategies

• Conduct research on ecosystem processes, the relationships between coastal stressors water quality degradation, contaminants, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and wetlands loss, and long-term human and ecosystem health, and communicate this information to public and private planners, decision-makers and managers.
• Contribute to the development of baseline data, standards, and indicators to support ecosystem-based approaches to land use, water, fisheries, and other resource management, working with programs such as NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, ocean observing programs, and others.
• Develop methodologies that can be used to evaluate ecosystem-based management approaches to assess their effectiveness once they are in place, and to guide future management efforts, working with the National Marine Fisheries Service and other federal, state and local partners.

 

Goal: Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in coastal areas.

Achieving widespread use of ecosystem-based management approaches will require extensive efforts to communicate the effects of ecosystem degradation on natural resources, local economies, and human health to a wide range of audiences in ways that motivate them to respond. Sea Grant’s strong research and extension capabilities provide scientific information and technical assistance on ecosystem-based management approaches. At the same time, the organization’s outreach and education capabilities engage citizens in stewardship activities that promote healthy ecosystems. All these programs can result in regional and other collaborative approaches to address problems that extend beyond traditional geographic or governmental boundaries.

Strategies

• Work with partners within and outside of NOAA to develop data, models, and training activities that support ecosystem-based planning and management approaches, and share these with a wide variety of constituencies.
• Support the development of regional coastal observation systems and other collaborative efforts that advance our capability to predict the effects of human activities and environmental changes on coastal resources in order to take steps to mitigate their effects.
• Provide life-long learning programs for people of all ages that enhance understanding of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes environments and promote stewardship of healthy ecosystems.

Goal: Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.

Past activities and events have led to deterioration of nursery areas for wild fish populations, loss of wetlands, closure of beaches and shellfish beds, and proliferation of invasive species. Sea Grant will help reverse these trends by identifying and assessing impaired ecosystems, and supporting the development of new policies, technologies, and processes that promote restoration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems in ways that balance the needs of the natural systems with the needs of the humans who inhabit them. Sea Grant will use its nationwide network of extension, education and communication specialists to provide the technical assistance needed, and to share new information and technologies with local, state, regional, national, and international partners.

Strategies

• Support research to improve the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration and identify promising new restoration approaches and technologies.
• Invest in the development and dissemination of new information, policies, technologies and methods to address water quality degradation, prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic non-native species, and minimize the negative impacts of these on coastal, ocean and Great Lakes food webs.
• Provide technical support for citizens and businesses that need help with specific mitigation/restoration problems, giving them access to the latest information and techniques.