NOAA Funds Ensure That a Treasured Campground Stays Intact

NOAA and the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program led a study that resulted in moving a beloved campground to a safer location.

Watershed Management Plan Protects Economy and Ecology

Steps to improve watershed health help safeguard area’s tourism and recreation sector.

Sapelo Island Seedlings Harvested for National African American Museum

The Sapelo Island Research Reserve played an important role.

Veterans Benefit from Nature’s Power to Heal and Teach

Programs help military veterans adjust to civilian life through on-the job training and outdoor activities.

Parasite-Host Findings Aid Knowledge of Temperature Impacts

Research reserve data from seven states contributed to one of the first U.S. studies to quantify how temperature-parasite interactions affect the survival of both parasites and their hosts.

NOAA Expands Coastal Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Creating sign language for “estuary” and other coastal terms, and trails that accommodate wheelchairs and the needs of the visually impaired—these are just two of the contributions from research reserves and coastal zone management programs.

Cold-Stun Alert Aids Fishery Managers and Seatrout Stocks

The alerts’ real-time monitoring data comes from three research reserves in Virginia and South Carolina.

Marine Debris Campaign Reaches Tens of Thousands

The Mission-Aransas Research Reserve leads the charge through multi-partner, multimedia outreach.

NOAA Funding Improves Visitor Access and Safety at Research Reserve

On the way is a new stormwater filtering system and upgraded parking, walkway, and school bus areas.

Learning about Estuarine Ecosystems in American Sign Language

Three New England research reserves, the Center for Research and Training at The Learning Center for the Deaf, and Boston University create an immersive instructional experience for educators of the Deaf, aided by a NOAA grant.

“Blue Economy” Initiative Aims to Expand Commercial Port Use

Boosters analyze industry’s strengths, promoting its sustainability and other pluses.

Septic System Campaign Safeguards Waterways and Public Health

Thousands of Indiana’s coastal residents now know simple steps to keep systems operating smoothly.

Nature-Based Shoreline Workshops Given Top Marks

An overwhelming majority of Lake Erie shoreline engineers, designers, and landowners surveyed intend to apply what they learned.

Program Promotes Wetland Restoration by Reducing Regulatory Burden

The Louisiana coastal program led an innovative fee initiative that helps restore local wetlands vital to the commercial fishing industry.

Saxon Harbor Gets Recovery Aid after Devastating Summer Storm

Coastal program support will make marina safer and stronger and improve beach access.

Former Industrial Brownfield Becomes Lake Michigan Park

State coastal management program funds community trails, storm-resilient natural infrastructure, and more.

Recycled Materials Fashion Show Funds Cleanup and Restoration

Fishing, birding, and canoeing at Pipe Creek Wildlife Area is becoming a scenic pleasure again.

Rain Barrel Expo Stems Runoff with Crowd-Pleasing Campaign

“Don’t Give Up the Drip” rainbarrels decorated by local artists, and displayed by businesses, bring stormwater management issue front and center.

Lake Superior Estuarium Tells Estuary and Great Lake Story

This research reserve attraction provides family-friendly activities and exhibits exploring the area’s ecosystem, natural history, and cultural richness.

Trail Extension to Benefit Philly’s Walkers and Cyclists

A NOAA grant helped leverage $36 million for the extension, part of an urban revitalization effort expected to enhance hazard resilience and the economy.

“Heart of the Lakes” Videos Capture the Power of Nature

The importance of Great Lakes conservation comes alive in first-person digital stories.

NOAA Seed Money Leads to Hawaii Tool—and Groundbreaking Adaptation Policies

Hawaii is incorporating sea-level rise science into state planning processes—and a tool supported by NOAA plays an important role.

MarineCadastre.gov Aids Reef Site Selection

Scientists used vessel-traffic data and maps when considering the best reef spot for boosting the vulnerable Lake Sturgeon population.

Community Vision Rejuvenates Chicago Recreation Area

An urban oasis long described as a “hidden gem” is becoming a destination park once again, with improvements supported and managed by Illinois’ coastal program.

Tool Helps Safeguard Coastal Habitat While Cutting Red Tape

Oregonians can more easily spot vulnerable resources, thanks to tool from the state’s coastal management program.

Creating a Flood-Ready Community

A leadership training, now in its fifth year, has taught one hundred-plus participants ways to lessen local flood risks by enacting practical plans, codes, and ordinances.

NOAA Rehabs Puerto Rico Reefs,Trails, and Flood Maps

The agency joined with partners to reattach more than 7,000 coral reef fragments, restore a research reserve’s entire trail system, and provide flood-risk maps and training.

Reserves Advance “Blue Carbon” Approach to Conserving Wetlands

Through guidance, tools, and workshops, the research reserves aim to make wetland conservation profitable by leveraging the carbon stored in this ecosystem.

Fast-Tracked Permits Nourish Beaches and Habitat

Beach renourishment permits in North Carolina now can be issued in as little as 35 days. These permits previously took up to 135 days to complete.

Fort Lauderdale Walks the Talk on Climate Adaptation

Officials are cutting flood dangers in 16 areas, and a study supported by NOAA and the state coastal management program paved the way.

San Diego County Benefits from Adaptation Strategy

Fourteen adaptation planning initiatives are taking place in nine cities with the help of a NOAA grant and a local research reserve.

Tool Reduces Ocean Conflicts

Offering a cohesive approach to offshore management, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Action Plan aids industries connected to offshore energy, tourism, undersea cables, and marine traffic.

Tide Station Data Can Be Lifesaving

A nor’easter’s sudden wind changes can push storm surge and floods into unexpected areas, defying regional predictions and catching emergency response crews off-guard. In January 2018 at Wells, Maine, the fire chief avoided that frightening...

Federal Contracting Vehicle Benefits State and Local Efforts

Local, state, and federal agencies are getting faster and easier access to the nation’s top geospatial firms through a streamlined process developed by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. The contract also can process task orders rapidly...

Three Reserves Beat Back Green Crab Threat

Early detection and action (more than 192 traps at 83-plus sites) stops this predator from wrecking the shellfish industry.

Coast Smart Program Cuts Hazard Risks for Communities

Over $1.6 million benefits 23 coastal communities. Many projects are using natural infrastructure to make communities more resilient.

Website Shows People Where to Fish, Swim, and Play

A new website, fishswimplay.com, directs outdoor enthusiasts to 192 public fishing, swimming, and viewing spots, plus trails for hiking, boating, kayaking, and other activities throughout southeastern Virginia, including the western Tidewater area...

Towns Will Cut Flooding While Boosting Public Access and Compliance

Guidance will help thirty-seven of Virginia’s coastal communities address important local needs and regulatory requirements while identifying the best potential sites for wetland restoration, living shorelines, and other nature-based infrastructure...

Plan and Legislation Secure Economic Vitality of Working Waterfronts

A comprehensive working waterfront master plan, funded by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, represents a big step taken by this state to ensure the long-term economic and cultural value of the maritime industry. Cities and counties are...

City’s Infrastructure Retrofits Will Build on Flood-Resilience Progress

Virginia Beach has one of the highest rates of sea level rise on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. That causes big problems for this city located in the Hampton Roads region, an area housing 1.7 million people, a vital maritime industry, and the world’s largest...

Grant Helps Turn Rochester Lot into Great Lakes Tourism Destination

A new marina bringing hundreds of new jobs and millions into the local economy was made possible by a grant and technical assistance from the New York Coastal Zone Management Program.

Volunteers Clear 2,500 Pounds of Marine Debris in 24 Hours

A super moon created ideal conditions for the cleanup, co-led by Florida Coastal Management Program staff.

Plastic Litter Gets Second Life as Toiletry Packaging

2,000 pounds of rigid plastic litter becomes new Proctor and Gamble shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, and other products.

Coastal Office Clears Scores of Abandoned Vessels Post-Hurricane

Staff members completed 50 vessel assessments and 38 vessel removals while guiding the protection of wildlife and sensitive areas.

Businesses Get Customized Hazard-Readiness Scores and Recommendations

The research reserve administered a self-assessment for businesses to become more resilient in the face of hazardous weather.

Pump Saves City from Hurricane-Related Flood Damage

A new, large-capacity stormwater pump purchased with a NOAA Regional Coastal Resilience Grant helped Florida’s New Port Richey recover faster following a hurricane.

Program Fosters Visibly Cleaner Boatyard and Marina Waters

In a recent survey, 73 percent of Wisconsin Certified Clean Marina owners have seen a decrease in water pollution. They trace this improvement to greater awareness and adoption of clean-marina practices, such as upgraded oil and fuel spill...

Chesapeake Bay Initiative Educates Hundreds of Virginia Students

Over three years, a project to expand Chesapeake Bay watershed education has reached 800 Virginia ninth graders in four counties and boosted teacher literacy in climate science through field trips, trainings, and use of real-time data....

Research Uncovers Water Pollution Sources and Recommended Actions

Digital Coast land cover data helped the coastal program study a trout stream’s water quality.

Workshop Helps Communities Better Estimate Working Waterfront Economy

Officials are using the economic-analysis methods and resources provided to pinpoint economic strengths and grow the economy of tomorrow.

Environmental Monitoring Benefits Ecosystem, Economy, and Citizens

The National Estuarine Research Reserves document environmental change by monitoring water quality, water temperature, weather, biodiversity, land use, and habitat. People use these data to understand current conditions, spot trends, and...

Gulf Ecosystem Study Uses Digital Coast Data

Report covers overfishing, climate, wetland losses and gains, and urbanization numbers.

Reserve Data Help Safeguard Community and Watershed Health

Of the 32 largest cities in the world, 22 are located on estuaries. In the U.S., the National Estuarine Research Reserves System’s environmental monitoring program sounds the alert when water-quality conditions pose potential dangers to people...

Reserve Findings Fortify Coastal Communities

Coastal wetlands represent the strongest natural defense against rising flood, storm, and sea level rise impacts, preventing more than $625 million in property damages during Hurricane Sandy and reducing property damages throughout the Northeast...

First-Ever National Marsh Assessment Tool

Research reserves determine methodology for calculating sea level rise impact on the marsh and test it in 16 locations. Methodology standardizes the effort and creates a national approach.

Multimillion-Dollar Shellfish Economy Depends on Research Reserve Data

U.S. estuaries are the lifeblood of commercial shellfishing. Total fish catch in estuaries contributes $4.3 billion annually to the national economy, and estuaries are nurseries to more than 75 percent of all the fish and shellfish harvested...

Digital Coast Site Provides $125 Million in Lidar Data

More than 30,000 Digital Coast users, including many in the private sector, have downloaded lidar data at no cost to address coast-related issues.

Sewer Pond Turned into a Thriving Wildlife “Jewel”

The payoff includes cleaner water and an increasing number of migratory birds and tourists.

Adaptation Plan Cuts Irma Damage and Saves Money

NOAA’s Sea Level Rise Viewer, trainings, and tidal gauge helped Tybee Island boost safety and lower flood insurance costs.

Coastal Land Cover Partnership Also Benefits Forests and Birds

Digital Coast and U.S. Forest Service collaboration produces better product at lower cost.

Reserve Reaps Green Infrastructure Benefits and Bolsters Recovery Investments

The reserve’s natural areas protected homes and businesses from five-foot storm surge, and its disaster planning and hurricane-resistant construction saved lives and facilities.

Reserves Help Certify Hundreds of “Green Landscaping” Trainers

More than 200 people have taken the course, which three research reserves helped develop and coordinate.

Planning for Florida’s Rising Tides

Flagler County is using GIS and marsh migration modeling in their adaptation planning efforts.

NOAA Grants Improve Disaster Resilience, Recovery, and Redevelopment

The Brunswick Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission is using guidance provided by the Georgia Coastal Management Program to quickly identify how Hurricane Irma affected their infrastructure and determine ways to move forward on a cost...

Erosion Response Planning Proven Effective after Harvey

Protected dunes returned the favor and lessened storm surge.

Urban Golf Course-Turned-Wetland Cuts Hurricane Harvey Flood Impacts

The project, supported by Texas’ coastal zone management program, will provide recreational opportunities and slash flood risks for thousands of area homes.

Kachemak Bay Reserve Alerts Thousands to Poisoned Shellfish Dangers

Communicating harmful conditions helps keep shellfish consumers safe.

Storm Preparations Pay Off

Emergency permitting program helped state return to normal, faster, after Hurricane Mathew.

Post-Sandy Preparedness Is Increasing Safety and Saving Money

Coastal communities are using a self-assessment website and other tools to up their resilience game.

Digital Coast Helps Shore Up Public Safety Amid Flood Risks

Improving infrastructure before the storm hits is the goal.

First-Ever Coral Recovery Plan Gets Buy-In

Hawai‘i and the NOAA Coral Program’s cooperative agreement made this possible. Network of no-take zones and fishery management areas represent top two recommendations.

Reserve “Scrubs” Brush and Trees to Beat Back Wildfire Risks

These techniques lessen “dry wood” dangers and support wildlife.

Games Supercharge Estuary Learning and Computer Science Skills

Three research reserves partnered with 140 college students on a gaming product to help people understand how their actions can help or hurt wetland habitats and inhabitants.

Course Graduates Protect Western Burrowing Owl

Most participants in this South Slough Research Reserve workshop later use skills to bolster species protection and habitat conditions.

Training Exercise Yields 450 Miles of Vulnerability Information

Oregon’s coastal managers not only must prepare for sea level rise but also for the potentially catastrophic scenario of an earthquake and resulting tsunami. New mapped information identifies more than 90 community assets along shorelines...

Citizen Scientists Catch Eels—and Valuable Data

Over 700 people participate in this catch, count, and release effort. Data collected helps further our understanding of habitat losses or gains, shifts in the food web, and other ecosystem changes.

Groundbreaking Study Uses Reserves to Evaluate Restoration Success

Newly standardized performance measures make it easier and more economical to evaluate wetland restoration projects.

NOAA Training Graduates Are Safeguarding Coastal Communities

A survey of Digital Coast Academy graduates shows an overwhelmingly positive response to its instructor-led and online courses, as 96 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I gained knowledge and skills that I will apply...

Trainees Learn to Guide Collaborative Meetings to Finish Line

A recent survey showed that “Planning and Facilitating Collaborative Meetings” was the most-popular training offered by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, and the following stories from graduates show why:

• Two workgroups improved...

Course Connects Dots between Planning and Measurable Results

Participants in the “Planning Effective Projects for Coastal Communities” course from NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management credit their training with on-the-ground successes:

• An Ohio agency staffer used his new skills to create...

Green Infrastructure Trainees Put Principles into Practice

Several graduates of the NOAA Office for Coastal Management training, “Introducing Green Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience,” say their newfound skills are improving resilience in their own backyards:

• An Oregon official is...

Adaptation Training Brings On-the-Ground Results

A recent survey showed that the “Adaptation Planning for Coastal Communities” course was one of most popular trainings offered by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, and several course graduates explain why:

• Information gathered...

Master Plan Covers 367-Mile Texas Coast

About 6.5 million people with total wages topping $37 billion reside along the Texas coast, as do bustling ports, military installations, 25 percent of the nation's refining capacity, and most of the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve...

Dredging and Seeds Help Restore Marsh Ecology

Restoration project uses dredged sand to deepen channel and build up marsh banks being lost to sea level rise.

NOAA-Funded Helicopter Tool Tracks Shifting Sands

New technology approach, funded through a coastal management grant, provides information helpful for addressing an annual $3 million problem associated with sand movement and resulting dredging needs.

Teacher Workshop Makes Estuary Science Come Alive

Dozens of fourth-through-sixth-grade educators experienced the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem firsthand during the “Estuary Science for Elementary and Middle School Teachers” workshop. They collected water temperature data, pulled a “seine...

Restoration Dollars to Bring Six Times Return on Investment

A $10 million wetland restoration effort will power up the local economy by more than $57 million by boosting property values, enhancing fisheries, and increasing tourism and recreation.

Aquarium Tool Uses Sea Level Rise Viewer

Visitors see how, where, and under what conditions flooding is likely to occur.

Students in Three States Learn Hands-On Marsh Restoration

Project involves 32,000+ students collecting, cultivating, and transplanting, all in the name of restoration.

Deep Coral Reefs Hold Promise for Shallower Degraded Reefs

Study discovered the most extensive deep coral reefs ever found, with twice as many fish species unique to Hawaii.

Collaboration Aids Fishermen and Offshore Wind Management

With the advent of offshore wind energy interests, Virginia’s fishing communities needed help identifying and safeguarding fishing areas vital to their livelihoods. State and federal representatives partnered with these communities to develop fine...

Marine Debris Campaign Lauded as Nationwide Model

Approximately 80 percent of marine debris comes from land-based sources. With that statistic in mind, the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program established the first East Coast plan focused on reducing marine debris statewide. Virginia is also first...

Living Shorelines Move from Plans to Reality

A new accomplishments report proves that the state’s living shorelines strategy is bearing fruit.

In 2015, 203 of the state’s real estate professionals and 162 landscape architects, engineers, and marine contractors attended living shoreline workshops...

Livestreams Alert Beachgoers to Dangerous Currents

Rip current conditions provided for Duluth, Port of Washington, and Milwaukee.

Lifesaving Beach Initiative Reaches More than a Million

NOAA and Wisconsin's coastal program deliver life jackets and a social media campaign.

Habitat and Ecotourism Flourish at Lake Erie Bluffs

Coastal Zone Management leadership and NOAA grants helped purchase a 600-acre site that is good for wildlife, good for the public, and good for the environment.

Cost-Effective Wild Hog Strategy Saves Habitat and Species

The coastal management program used a helicopter to quickly cover 39,000 acres and eliminate habitat-destroying hogs.

World’s Most Successful Eelgrass Restoration Project

The largest and most successful eelgrass restoration project on the planet is now growing on the very spot where, for five decades, eelgrass had been rooted up and destroyed by disease and successive hurricanes. Located on the Atlantic...

Gardens Combat Coral-Harming Pollution

Coral Reef program co-leads volunteer effort to plant native vegetation that absorbs runoff.

Lidar of Pre-History Settlement Informs Adaptation Today

Digital Coast data were used to document shoreline changes over time and peer into the future.

Pinpointing Information Gaps to Aid Decisions

Digital Coast data used to determine where additional measuring instruments are needed.

County Scraps Hard Structure Plan for Natural Shoreline

An Ocean Springs park is less flood prone and more scenic, thanks to natural infrastructure informed by the NOAA Digital Coast’s Sea Level Rise Viewer.

NOAA Research Reserve Is a First for Pacific Islands

This new research reserve protects over 1.3 million acres.

Assessment Reveals Estuary’s Economic and Social Value

Research reserve study says area households would be willing to pay millions for restoring estuary health, reaping rewards for fisheries and quality of life.

Beachsite’s Natural Infrastructure Helps Protect Corals from Runoff

At Playa Tamarindo on Culebra Island, runoff from sediment and cars driving on the beach imperils coral reefs and a local waterway.

Partners addressed the problem by planting vegetation in bare soil, installing a gravel parking lot to absorb...

Publication Outlines Urban and Rural Disaster-Recovery Approaches

Urban, oceanfront communities and rural, inland communities wrestle with very different disaster recovery and redevelopment issues. A planning guide for Georgia names these differences and charts a recovery path that includes cost estimates...

Accessible Launch Boosts Local Ecotourism and Revitalization

People of all mobility levels can use the new paddle-sports launch, which will draw visitors to the area’s trail system.

Partnership Increases Impact, Saves Money

The Rookery Bay Research Reserve and Florida International University make resources go farther by sharing staff, facilities, and other assets.

Reserves Grow Business Partnerships

NOAA’s National Estuarine Research Reserves contribute to coastal economic stability. For instance, a Florida reserve offers information and assistance to local ecotourism boat operators; a Puerto Rico reserve provides an ecotourism certification...

Study on Coral-Harming Chemical Spurs Corrective Action

A study from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and a team of international scientists showed that oxybenzone, a common chemical found in over 3500 sunscreen products, greatly increases the vulnerability of juvenile corals to bleaching...

Standardized Environmental Assessments

NOAA scientists developed a standardized approach, the first of its kind, for assessing how changing environmental conditions impact tidal marshlands. This methodology allows communities to compare and contrast results from different...

NOAA Funding Benefits Massive Flood-Control Initiative

A NOAA grant was used to assess natural infrastructure performance after Hurricane Sandy. Also developed: a web-based tool used to analyze natural infrastructure investments and identify parcels likely to provide the most benefits.

Digital Coast Saves U.S. Taypayer $50,000

The Department of Energy found it made economic sense to use Digital Coast data for a study on sea level rise impacts to energy infrastructure.

Digital Coast Informs National Hurricane Center Work

Hazard-preparedness tip sheets provided by NOAA’s Digital Coast for the National Hurricane Center are being used by emergency managers nationwide, and Digital Coast elevation data sets were used to improve the hurricane center’s Potential Storm Surge...

Imitating Nature to Decrease Future Flooding

A $450,000 NOAA grant was used to ID alternative erosion-control approaches and where sea level rise is mostly likely to impact salt marsh.

Annual Erie Coast Event Cleans Away 61,000-Plus Items

Trash findings spurred policy changes that leave beaches cleaner.

City Planning Includes Updated Resilience Strategies

A $425,000 NOAA award provided the resources needed to identify vulnerabilities and develop evacuation plans, revise stormwater management plans, and implement living shorelines. Also created—a vulnerability index map for all 239 coastal municipalities.

Superstorm Sandy NOAA Disaster Relief Appropriations

The $2.4 million award emphasized partnerships and region-based, multifaceted solutions. The projects, many focused on natural infrastructure, frequently led to changes to local and state ordinances.

Funded Research Leads to New Living Shorelines

Information and tools about living shorelines were developed using a $425,000 NOAA grant.

Study Shows Public Willingness to Invest in Restoration

New York City households willing to pay 3.3 times more for nature-based approaches.

Protection Measures for Trout Habitat

The coastal management program and partners investigate causes and cures for declines in Lake Superior tributaries.

Digital Coast Aids Waterfront Economic Strategy

Using NOAA Digital Coast’s economic data and process, this community made a strong case for investing in tomorrow’s waterfront economy.

Study Finds Mainers Would Make Tradeoffs to Preserve Ecosystem Services

Wells research reserve helped develop a way to estimate ecosystem values and tradeoffs—useful information for making difficult decisions about the environment.

Coastal Program Helps Birds Take a “Tern” for the Better

At-risk species on Interstate Island is nesting and breeding again.

Team OCEAN Focuses on Boaters and Beachgoers

Volunteers make weekly visits to improve boating safety and environmental awareness.

Lidar-Derived Waterway Data Reveals Runoff Threats

Digital Coast data were used to create high-resolution waterway maps.

“Greening” of Barren Hillsides Lets Sun Shine Bright on Corals

Project funded and led by NOAA corals program turns dusty hillsides green again, dramatically lessening sediment runoff that had formerly blocked sunlight and buried corals in layers of soil.

San Francisco Bay Reserve Partners with Smithsonian Institution on Estuary Research

A global study uses research reserve monitoring data to uncover potential climate change impacts to the marine environment.

Designing the Post-Invasive Species Forest

The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is working with the City of Superior to study the impacts on local forests of an invasive beetle, the Emerald Ash Borer. This beetle has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in...

Clean-Water Turnaround for Northern Lake Erie Coast

A project aimed at lessening flooding and improving water quality through stormwater reduction resulted in water-absorbing plants and other “best practice” methods being installed in various spots across Lake Erie’s northern coast....

NOAA Tool and Support Aid Far-Reaching Charleston Sea Level Rise Strategy

Five-phased project aims to address sea level rise over the next 50 years.

Community Boosts Future Flood Resilience during Post-Sandy Recovery

Elevated roads, replacement of a major city well, strengthened erosion barriers, and fortified building requirements made the city safer and lowers federal flood insurance rates.

Recreation-Friendly Land Buy Safeguards Bird Habitat and Groundwater

In a region experiencing development pressures, the purchase of 102 acres of forested bluffs and farmland will protect 6,600 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and expand Ozaukee County’s Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The area’s clay...

NOAA Funding Expands Middle Bass Island Wetlands Preserve

Conservation partners are using NOAA funding to double the size of an Ohio island preserve and protect valuable habitat.

Hampton Roads’ Sea Level Rise Adaptation Advances on Multiple Fronts

Virginia’s Hampton Roads region is experiencing the highest rates of sea level rise along the entire Atlantic seaboard and is second only to New Orleans as the largest U.S. population center at risk. Forty percent of the local economy comes...

Grants to Satellite Beach Clear Path for Adaptation Action

NOAA and the state’s coastal program provided early funding for the City of Satellite Beach’s sustainability plan.

Turning to Nature to Address Coastal Erosion

NOAA grant used for Nature Conservancy initiative.

Navy Pier Project Serves as Model for Natural Infrastructure Techniques

A grant from the coastal management program helped turn this old pier into a public, environment-friendly space.

“ART” Project Increases Resilience in the San Francisco Bay Area

NOAA participation and Digital Coast data proved helpful for risk assessments and local hazard mitigation and recovery plans.

Data Models Sea Level Rise Exposure for Future Populations

Digital Coast data informed climate adaptation strategies throughout the coastal zone.

Offshore Renewable Energy Planning

To encourage offshore renewable energy projects in areas that pose the least conflict with existing ocean uses and natural resources, Oregon developed a marine spatial plan. This new chapter of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan identifies...

Land Use Guide for Tsunami Preparedness

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, located 50 miles off the Oregon coast, can produce earthquakes of magnitude 9.0 and higher. A major earthquake along this fault line, a one in three chance within the next 50 years, could result in a tsunami...

Coastal Hazards Resilience Network

Despite Washington’s rich history of progressive policies that promote balanced shoreline management, the state’s diverse programs were not optimized to help local planners develop long-term strategies for coastal hazards. Through a NOAA...

Red Cross Using NOAA Tool to Pinpoint Vulnerable Populations

NOAA’s Coastal County Snapshots help responders understand situation complexities.

Coastal Hazard Resilience Tools Helps Tackle Climate Change Issues

The majority of Maine’s population resides in the coastal zone. In York County alone, 260 businesses representing $41.6 million in wages are vulnerable to coastal flooding, the ensuing property damages, and high insurance costs.

Partnering to Support Clean Marina Program

The Michigan Coastal Program certifies marinas and educates boaters to protect water resources.

Fautasi Coastal Challenge Leads Stewardship Efforts

A canoe race creates a platform for islanders to learn about coastal challenges. The effort was established by American Samoa’s coastal management program.

Relocation of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County

California’s coastal zone management program was part of the team that negotiated this sensitive effort. End results included a road moved inland and new park and visitor facilities.

Lake Superior Reserve Works toward Regional Stewardship Goals

Since its designation in 2010, the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, through the efforts of staff members and academic researchers, has supported the mission of long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education...

Environmental Education Supports Tribal Harvests

Over the last decade, the unprecedented loss of wild rice to climate change factors has disrupted traditional tribal harvests of the Lake Superior Ojibwe. The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and University of Wisconsin-Extension...

Visualizing Locally Relevant Sea Level Rise Scenarios

Coastal management program uses NOAA products to upgrade local and regional planning efforts.

Smart Planning Leads to America’s First Offshore Wind Farm

CZM program co-led the development of a comprehensive, science-based ocean planning approach that minimizes use conflicts and protects natural resources. The public is reaping big benefits.

Protecting Wetland Forests from Invasive Species

The emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in the Great Lakes region over the past decade. Natural resource managers in Wisconsin are particularly concerned about the resulting domino effect on riverine...

Headwaters Important for Salmon Health

A reserve research documents the importance of headwater streams; conservation interests take note.

Climate Trainings Started Here Impact other Coastal States

Climate change is perhaps the leading environmental issue of our time, but local officials often need help understanding potential impacts on the local level and which adaptation strategies make the most sense for their situation.

Invasive Cordgrass Eradicated in Padilla Bay

Spartina, often known as cordgrass, provides critical coastal habitat along the Gulf and East Coasts. On the West Coast, it’s a different story. Here this nonnative aquatic grass is an invasive species. Spartina overcrowds mudflat habitat...

Supporting High School Environmental Clubs and Inspiring Future Leaders

Each year a regional Youth Earth Summit (YES) for high school students is sponsored by and held at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The goal is to engage young people in climate change action and support high school...

Forest Management Program Developed by Research Reserve

Maine is the most forested state in the nation; good forest management practices play an important role in maintaining water quality and wildlife habitat.

Study Provides Baseline Data and Triages Adaptation Needs

Precision models help Alaska assess vulnerability amid glacial melt and coastal uplift.

Project Rescues Wetlands from Sea Level Rise

The restoration also expands otter habitat and safeguards a super-efficient “blue carbon” source, with help from the Elkhorn Slough Research Reserve.

Flooding Resilience Plan Developed for Hudson River Communities

Flooding from peak tides and tropical storms cost the city of Kingston, New York, millions of dollars. This led to the creation of the Kingston Tidal Waterfront Flooding Task Force and a partnership with the Hudson River National Estuarine...

New Policies Please Hunters and the Reserves

Hunting grounds are clearly marked, and hunting passes are required.

Citizens Lead the Way as Communities Prepare for Climate Change Impacts

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Coos Watershed Association received two grants (totaling $765,918) to help nearby communities prepare for climate change. A collaborative group representing conservation and...

Boosting Oregon Economy through Job Training Opportunities at the Research Reserve

Historically, the Oregon coastal economy has relied on resource-based jobs such as timber, agriculture, and seafood harvesting and processing, but these employment opportunities have been declining in recent years.

The South Slough...

Using Lidar to Plan for Sea Level Rise

Since the late 1800s, farmers in Oregon have been diking estuarine wetlands for their own agricultural benefit. With sea level rise imminent, knowing the location and condition of the dikes, as well as who is responsible for maintenance...

Mud on the Move: Predicting How Marshes Will Change as Sea Levels Rise

The San Francisco Bay research reserve’s leading role in a new protocol helps restoration projects better protect marshlands from sea level rise.

First Tribal National Park in United States

An essential part of the coastal management effort is protecting and preserving important natural resources for future generations. The acquisition of 89 acres of old-growth forest and a quarter-mile of shoreline along Lake Superior led...

Advancing Living Shorelines along the Gulf Coast

Research reserves provide science-based information to encourage a living shorelines approach.

Visualization Tools Help Plan for Climate Change in San Francisco

Officials using visualizations developed by the San Francisco Bay research reserve can “see” different scenarios of sea level rise, storm, and king tides—and plan accordingly.

Protecting Water Quality through Marsh Restoration

Study determines marsh restoration cost and effectiveness; a 50 percent planting density seems to be the magic number.

A Future for Native Oysters along the Pacific Coast

Data and tools from three West Coast research reserves allow officials to choose restoration “sweet spots” for bringing back declining oyster grounds.

Teacher Workshop Inspires New Environmental Policies at a Mobile Bay School

No more balloon releases at special events.

Water Trails Spur Ecotourism

Water trails represent a way to promote use and enjoyment of Michigan’s shoreline and spur economic development.

The First Research Reserve – South Slough

On June 27, 1974, the South Slough Sanctuary in Oregon was dedicated as the first site in what is now known as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. South Slough is one of 28 research reserves around the country dedicated to research...

Academic and Governmental Partnership Leads to Safer Lake Michigan Surf

Rip currents—strong channels of water that flow out from the shore—claim more lives annually than tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning, and floods combined. Lake Michigan swimmers will be much safer from the risk of rip currents and other dangerous...

Determining Tsunami Exposure

Although a potential tsunami-inundation zone had been delineated in Oregon, officials needed information about what was located in this area to determine what additional preparedness and response measures were needed.

The U.S. Geological...

Land Cover Data used to Analyze Sedimentation

Clear-cut timber harvests contribute to excess sediment loads in streams, eventually leading to problems for estuaries. However, timber harvest records on private lands are not centralized or available in GIS format, making it difficult...

Major Flood Forecast Gap Repaired for Houston Area

High resolution data from the Digital Coast show how buildings and infrastructure will be affected by floodwaters.

Assessing Potential Hazard Risk in Tutuila

Online hazard assessment tool was developed by the American Samoa coastal management program and NOAA.

Adaptation Planning Paid Off for This Community

NOAA tools were used to adjust building codes and land use policies, implement nature-based solutions, and incorporate climate change. Actions paid off when Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy hit.

Digital Coast Tool Used to Prioritize Wetland Restoration Efforts

Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, is seeking alternatives for managing nonpoint source pollution, a major contributor of phosphorous in the Mullet River. Healthy wetlands represent a natural approach to this problem, and stakeholders wanted...

Identifying Habitat Loss, Prioritizing Restoration

The nonprofit Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership—supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program, the states of Oregon and Washington, and other entities—is working to preserve and restore the natural...

Research Reserve Became State’s First 100% Solar-Powered Nonprofit

The effort is generating 73,000 kilowatt hours and offsets 90,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Visualizing the Impacts of Sea Level Rise

Officials used Digital Coast products to inform an adaptation policy that impacts land use planning and zoning.

Identifying Sources of Pollution That Affect Coral Reef Communities

Digital Coast land cover and coral data map the relationship between people and nature.

Assessing the Delaware River Basin Using Land Cover Information

Data showed that land development averaged 19 football fields per day over a five-year period.

Beach Access and Water Quality App Released

Visitors can get directions and information about more than 620 public access points.

Mapping the Urban Realm to Enhance Community Resilience

Tropical urban forests provide recreational benefits and a wide range of environmental services, including protection from storms, sea level rise, and coastal erosion, and protection for coral reefs and nearshore marine ecosystems. The...

Historical Shipwreck Designated as Underwater Preserve

Indiana’s coastal zone management program secured funding for this 100-acre site.

Getting City Kids to the Shore

More than 10,000 kids see the beach for the first time and learn about coastal stewardship through this Coastal Management Program-funded effort.

Regulating a Quarry to Reduce Environmental Impacts

The corrective action plan was co-developed by the NOAA coastal management program in American Samoa.

Volunteer Storm Team Elevates Water Quality Issues

An elite group of volunteers quickly mobilizes during heavy rain events along the Samish River in Washington State to collect important water quality data. This information is used by the coastal officials who make decisions about commercial...

Wetlands Restoration Is Fulfilling a Community Vision

Agricultural changes to the Heeia wetlands, once known for abundant taro crops and naturally healthy fishponds, resulted in increased runoff, invasive species, and sedimentation. Concerned community members consulted with local elders and...

Bluff and Shore Erosion Hotspots Identified for Lake Michigan Shoreline

In recent years, bluff erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline has become a major concern, and the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, which chairs the Wisconsin Coastal Natural Hazards Work Group, has funded several projects on this...

Monitoring Salmonid Fishery Restoration

Digital Coast data played a role in this comprehensive inventory.

A Social Marketing Campaign Targets Litter in Laolao Bay

Funding from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program made successful campaign possible; Saipan officials are inspired to use the approach again.

Comparing Differences in Tsunami Sensitivity along the Coast

Historical geological evidence shows that the coast of Washington is vulnerable to high-magnitude tsunamis. To understand the potential impacts, state and local leaders sought help developing local risk-reduction strategies.

In cooperation...