Coastal Services Center

Introduction

As a coastal manager, you probably have a background in one, or maybe two areas of expertise. Most coastal management decisions, however, are best made when information is compiled and analyzed from all relevant viewpoints.

Since it is impossible for one person to possess specialized knowledge in each of the needed discipline areas, it is important for practitioners to be aware of the range of disciplines from which significant knowledge may be gained.

Over the next few pages we'll survey these disciplines and highlight some important factors in the motivations and methods of practitioners in these fields.

By having an understanding of the methods and motivations of people working in different fields than your own, you will better be able to evaluate and utilize the information you receive.