The NOAA Coastal Services Center serves the nation's coastal resource managers by linking people, information, and technology. This work results in a variety of services and products, some of which are profiled below. Visit the Center's Web site at www.csc.noaa.gov for details about these and other products and services.
Professional Development for Coastal Resource Managers
Coastal Techniques Web Site (www.csc.noaa.gov/cms/outreach/cmt/) – Coastal resource managers often are required to work on projects for which they may not have much prior experience. Fortunately, coastal professionals in other states who have faced similar challenges can offer insight and assistance. This Web site helps coastal managers venture into uncharted territory by showcasing coastal management techniques, methods, strategies, models, and processes.
Paper Maps Go Digital
Digital Shorelines (www.csc.noaa.gov/products/shorelines/) – Historical shoreline maps contain measurements that must be considered when making oceanfront-permitting decisions. A paper map, however, can't be used in a geographic information system (GIS). This project is bringing old and new shoreline information into the digital arena. Visit the Center's Web site to see where GIS-compatible shoreline data is available.
Mapping Underwater Habitats
Benthic Habitat Mapping (www.csc.noaa.gov/benthic/) – Sea grass, corals, and shellfish beds are all highly productive ecosystems that shelter juvenile fish, stabilize sediments, and support the ocean's food chain. Numerous state and federal laws protect these important resources, but it is admittedly hard to protect what you can't readily see. Using aerial photography, underwater video, and acoustics, the Center helps coastal managers throughout the nation document the location of living aquatic resources.
Showcasing Environmental Success to the Public
Performance Indicators Visualization and Outreach Tool (PIVOT) (www.csc.noaa.gov/products/pivot/) – Implementing coastal management and watershed planning initiatives can be complex, multifaceted, and often controversial. One of the biggest challenges is visually demonstrating the outcomes of such complicated projects. To meet this challenge, the Center developed the Web-based Performance Indicators Visualization and Outreach Tool, which uses a graphic, easy-to-use format to show progress in implementing community plans. Links between various planning components are readily apparent and users can see how projects come together to meet environmental performance goals.
Protecting Communities against Coastal Hazards
Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool (www.csc.noaa.gov/products/nchaz/startup.htm) – Is your coastal community ready for the next big storm? There are many things community leaders should know about vulnerability before disaster strikes. The Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool outlines a systematic process that can help officials identify primary hazard threats, examine vulnerabilities, and select and prioritize actions to protect citizens and communities.
Training Opportunities
Training (www.csc.noaa.gov/training/) – A wide variety of courses are available at the Center, off site, and over the Internet. Coastal managers can take a seminar to improve their meeting skills, learn new techniques in the coastal resource management trade, conduct a needs assessment, and become better facilitators. Courses are available that help coastal managers make the most effective use of new technology. All classes use situations and data unique to the coastal management profession.
