Scientists and the media sounded the alarm over sea level rise in the 1980s, but it is a challenge to move forward with policies addressing an issue when it "might" affect your state in the distant future and it "might" cause erosion and flooding. Coastal resource managers are currently grappling with numerous existing issues, and for many, it makes heeding such a distant call to arms less than a priority.
For coastal managers in Maryland, however, sea level rise is dramatically affecting their coastline. Marshes, instead of migrating forward as anticipated, are being drowned and lost. Beaches where people can remember swimming and playing are no longer there.
As scientists and researchers continue to study and refine their understanding of sea level rise, it is clear that most coastal managers will eventually be addressing this issue. And the answers are not easy ones.
The cover story for this edition of Coastal Services features a profile of Maryland's efforts to create a sea level rise response strategy. It is a project that is being led by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fellow.
The work of this fellow in some ways exemplifies NOAA's mission, which is "to describe and predict changes in the earth's environment, and to conserve and wisely manage the nation's coastal and marine resources." It is a directive that has carried this organization now for 30 years. On October 3, 2000, NOAA will reach the milestone of its 30th anniversary. I am proud of the role the Coastal Services Center plays in fulfilling this charge.
While we are proud of NOAA, NOAA seems pleased with the Coastal Services Center! The Center recently received an agency Diversity Spectrum Award, which recognizes employees for their contributions and activities that promote workplace diversity. Selicia "Lisa" Holmes also was recognized with the 1999 National Ocean Service Employee of the Year award in the clerical/secretarial category. To all the NOAA and Center staff, I offer my congratulations.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
