Coastal Storms Ecological Assessment Team

Overview

The Coastal Storms Program (CSP) is a nationwide effort led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reduce the damaging effects of storms on communities and the environment in our nation’s coastal areas. To accomplish this goal local communities are working together to provide the information coastal communities need to deal with the damages that storms can bring. CSP is initially focusing on three specific pilot areas, but is also developing a strategy to expand its impacts nationally.

The Ecological Assessment Team is evaluating the effects of nonpoint source contaminants’ movement into the estuarine ecosystems during storms. Of primary concern is how these contaminants affect natural resources when storms occur. The CSP Ecological Assessment program will assist coastal communities by anticipating contaminant problems before storms occur, leading to more effective response during a storm.

All line offices within NOAA are partners in CSP and work together as part of CSP’s Ecological Assessment Team. NOAA’s Assessment and Restoration Division (ARD) implements the Secretary of Commerce's natural resource trusteeship by protecting and restoring coastal habitats and resources affected by hazardous materials releases. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) works as a steward of living marine resources through science-based conservation and management and the promotion of healthy ecosystems. The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) regulates biological products. CBER is committed to advancing the public health through regulations that ensure the safety and health of citizens. These groups collaborate with the goal of anticipating the ecological impacts of coastal storms, and are working to improve the ways coastal communities prepare for and respond to storms.

For more information:

NOAA Coastal Storms Program