As we finished the cover story for this edition of Coastal Services, the issue of coastal gambling appeared right in our own backyard. A federal judge ruled that gambling could occur on cruise vessels leaving the shores of South Carolina, where the NOAA Coastal Services Center is located, once the ships are three miles into international waters.
According to information gathered on the Internet, almost every coastal state has some form of gambling within its borders. While we don't wish to argue the pros and cons of gambling, this magazine's cover story illustrates that coastal resource managers need to be prepared and plan for how casinos and other large developments along our states' coasts can impact the environment.
"Think big" was a phrase we heard over and over again from Mississippi officials. Gaming in that state began small just eight years ago, and now attracts billion dollar facilities with expansive hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. As developments get larger, coastal managers will face new and challenging environmental questions.
Mississippi and other states that have experience with issues such as casinos can serve as valuable resources for coastal managers. One of the goals of this magazine is to provide this kind of information, but we also encourage managers to contact other coastal programs to learn from their successes, as well as their failures. Managers who utilize this valuable experience will find themselves well ahead in their planning efforts.
While each coastal program has many differences, there are also many similarities. By working together and sharing ideas and information, coastal resource managers can visualize potential problems in their states and territories; gather ideas; determine solutions that work; and anticipate responses to proposals and projects.
The benefits of learning how other programs are dealing with issues are numerous. We encourage you to seek out other program managers and ask questions. We also ask that you let us know about programs, ideas, and solutions you've found helpful. By communicating with Coastal Services, you communicate with the entire coastal management community.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
