ABSTRACT
To sustain healthy coasts, need to improve our understanding of coastal geology, coastal and ocean processes, climate variations, the function and value of ecosystems, risk and vulnerability, and the impacts of human activities on natural systems. United States coastlines have long been an attractive place to live, work, and play. The coastal zone can be defined in multiple ways but is generally regarded as the narrow band of coastal counties and adjacent bays, harbors, estuaries, and oceans. One of our most critical future natural resource management issues is water — its availability, abundance, purity, and use. Water sustains living coastal and ocean resources, ensures safe recreation and seafood, and underpins economic vitality. Habitat can be defined simply as the home of an organism or biological community Adequate habitat, including clean water, is a necessary requirement for life. Issues of cost and benefit can greatly influence the decision making process in the coastal zone.
