Since the 1800s, natural areas have been set aside in this country to preserve the land environment for generations to come. Within these areas, there are places where camping is allowed but hunting is not, or where hiking is allowed but motorized vehicles are not.
Most of us understand and accept that to protect the natural resources, and to ensure the enjoyment and safety of the public, certain land and recreational uses are zoned to appropriate areas. The same, however, cannot be said for zoning in the marine environment.
Marine zoning in this country is a relatively new and often controversial process. The cover story for this edition of Coastal Services looks at the nation's first large-scale marine zoning program—24 no-take zones that were implemented five years ago in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
So far, managers say, monitoring in the zones shows that critical habitat is being protected, conflicting uses are being managed, and ecosystems are being enhanced. In our cover article, managers describe the keys to establishing successful no-take zones.
Also in this edition of the magazine, you will read about an Internet-accessible database of Great Lakes shipping vessels. This is just one example of how technology is being used effectively by the coastal management community.
In the near future, managers will have several opportunities to learn about technology and coastal issues. First, GeoTools '03 will provide in-depth information on how coastal managers are using geospatial tools. You will read more about this popular conference in this edition.
Second, Coastal Zone 03, the premier international gathering of ocean and coastal management professionals, will be held in Baltimore from July 13 to 17, 2003. Participants can attend presentations, discussions, and workshops by colleagues from around the globe. To get more information, log on to www.csc.noaa.gov/cz2003/.
Finally, the NOAA Coastal Services Center offers several training courses in geospatial technology, coastal management, and process skills. Learn about these opportunities at www.csc.noaa.gov/training/.
I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
