Partnerships with tribal nations are important to all the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) coastal mandates, especially to coastal zone management and the National Marine Sanctuaries. The National Marine Sanctuaries Program considers Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Native Samoans among its most important partners in protecting natural resources.
While working with native cultures enriches sanctuary policies, research, and education programs, bridging cultural gaps is not always easy.
The cover story of this edition of Coastal Services examines the unique relationship of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary with the four coastal Indian tribes that have used much of the sanctuary as traditional fishing grounds for thousands of years.
Nearly 150 years ago, the tribes signed treaties with the state exchanging their claims to much of their ancestral land in return for reservations, support from the U.S. government, and the right to hunt and fish in "usual and accustomed places."
These treaties have shaped the relationship between the tribes and sanctuary, with the results being co-management of natural and cultural resources and the perpetuation of ancient cultural traditions.
In the 10 years since the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary was designated, its staff has learned many lessons that may help other coastal resource managers avoid cultural collisions.
Also in this edition, you will read how New York Sea Grant has filled a coastal management information gap by getting the hard numbers on how and where recreational boaters in that state spend their money, as well as an article on how coastal managers in Illinois are using meteorological equipment to dramatically increase the speed and accuracy of beach closure decisions.
Other articles look at the success and challenges coastal managers in Guam have had in planning for the extensive recreational use of its resources, and a novel approach to Valentine's Day in Alabama, where giving a tree has replaced the traditional flowers and chocolate.
As always, we hope it is helpful to learn about some of the challenges and successes of your colleagues around the country. We hope you find the articles in this edition of Coastal Services interesting and useful.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
