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Title: Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update

Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update coverDescription: Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update, examines eutrophic conditions in 141 U.S. estuaries, and how and why conditions have changed in the decade since the first assessment was issued. Of the 99 estuaries with data adequate for evaluation, 64 have moderate to high level nutrient impacts.

Availability: Online, limited hard copies; Download a copy

Title: NCCOS Human Dimensions Strategic Plan (FY 2009–FY 2014)

Human Dimensions Strategic Plan coverDescription: The NCCOS Human Dimensions Strategic Plan (FY 2009–FY 2014) establishes goals and objectives to foster improved support of coastal and ocean decisionmaking by expanding NCCOS’s science program to include an integral focus on human dimensions.

Availability: Online and hardcopies available; Download a copy or contact the Human Dimensions Research Coordinator (1.7MB)

Title: NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2006

cover 2006 Accomplishments ReportDescription: The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2006 highlights NCCOS's progress and achievements in fiscal year 2006. The report provides insight into how NCCOS's scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources.

Availability: Online, limited hard copies; Download a copy (2.1MB)

Title: Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 to 2011

cover of Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Plan for Fiscal Years 2007 to 2011Description: This document—the NOAA Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Plan—builds on the strategies identified in NOAA’s Strategic Plan, the five–year NOAA Research Plan, the 20–year NOAA Research Vision, the National Action Plan, the National Action Strategy, the Final Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP 2004), and the Bush Administration’s response to the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy: the U.S. Ocean Action Plan (Bush 2004); and identifies key directions for NOAA’s research on coral reef ecosystems for fiscal years (FY) 2007 through FY 2011. As this Plan only covers five years, it is intentionally focused on research with short–term outcomes of providing coastal and ocean managers with scientific information and tools to help preserve, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems. This five–year Plan will also be used as a tool to identify longer–term coral reef research directions.

Availability: Online and hardcopies available; Download a copy, or contact the Coral Research Program (6.2 MB)

Title: 2006 USGS/NOAA Workshop on Mycobacteriosis in Striped Bass

cover of 2006 USGS/NOAA Workshop on Mycobacteriosis in Striped BassDescription: The overarching goal of this workshop was to provide a synthesis of current understanding regarding mycobacteriosis and its ecological effects, and to provide recommendations that will facilitate a coordinated approach by funding agencies and researchers in their collective efforts to effectively and efficiently address this research topic.

Availability: Online and hardcopies available; Download a copy (824 KB)

Title: Ecosystem Science Capabilities Required to Support NOAA’s Mission in the year 2020

cover of Ecosystem Science Capabilities Required to Support NOAA’s Mission in the year 2020Description: The agency needs to know what types of science, skills, and products will be necessary to inform emerging ecosystem management challenges if it is to move from simply better integrating its current activities to meeting its strategic 20–year research vision. This document was developed to identify a strategic portfolio of research, monitoring, data integration, and decision support capabilities underpinning more holistic approaches to NOAA’s stewardship and management of coastal and ocean resources.

Availability: Online and hardcopies available; Download a copy (919 KB)

Title: Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy

cover of Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions StrategyDescription: Harmful Algal Research and Response: A Human Dimensions Strategy (HARR-HD) justifies and guides a coordinated national commitment to human dimensions research critical to prevent and respond to impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Measuring and promoting community resilience to hazards require human dimensions research outcomes such as: effective risk communication strategies; assessment of community vulnerability; identification of susceptible populations; comprehensive assessment of environmental, sociocultural, and economic impacts; development of effective decision support tools; and improved coordination among agencies and stakeholders. HARR–HD charts a course for human dimensions research to achieve these and other priorities through coordinated implementation.

Availability: Online and hardcopies available; Download a copy (1.5MB), or contact marybeth.bauer@noaa.gov

Title: NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2005

cover 2005 Accomplishments ReportDescription: The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2005 highlights NCCOS's progress and achievements in fiscal year 2005. The report provides insight into how NCCOS's scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources.

Availability: Online only; Download a copy (2.2MB)

Title: Arctic & Antarctic Activity Book

cover of Arctic and Antarctic Activity BookDescription: An activity book for children highlighting both polar regions, honoring the International Polar Year of 2007-2008. The book is 25 pages long and includes information about both Arctic and Antarctic regions, along with fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders.

Availability: Online, limited hard copies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (2.3 MB)


Title: Visual Impact Assessment of Small Docks & Piers: Theory and Practice

coverDescription: Visual impact assessments are increasingly used in the regulatory review of proposed development, including small docks and piers. This manual provides an overview of: legal bases for developing visual impact or aesthetic standards; visual impact analysis techniques; local and state capabilities to develop and implement visual impact or aesthetic standards; and types of mitigation available. Examples of existing management programs that incorporate visual impacts or aesthetics, and case studies of the implementation or judicial review of management decisions based on visual impacts are also presented.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; Contact Susan.Baker@noaa.gov.

Download a copy (3.3MB)


Title: The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2005

Coral Report CoverDescription: In 2003, CCMA's Biogeography Team was asked by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program to compile a report characterizing the condition of shallow water coral reef ecosystems in the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States. Such a report was called for by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in the U.S. National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs as part of an effort to develop a comprehensive national coral reef ecosystem monitoring program.

Availablity: Online, limited hardcopies; contact CoralReport2005@noaa.gov.

Download Options:

Entire Report:

Individual Chapters:


Title: NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2004

cover 2004 Accomplishments ReportDescription: The NCCOS Accomplishments Report: 2004 highlights NCCOS's progress and achievements in fiscal year 2004. The report provides insight into how NCCOS's scientific endeavors were used to effectively manage and protect coastal ocean resources.

Availability: Online only; Download a copy (5MB)


Title: Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats; Volume Two: Tools for Monitoring Coastal Habitatscover of Restoration Monitoring, Volume Two

Description: Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats , a two volume manual, provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts. Information found in these volumes can help practitioners develop monitoring programs that can determine if a restoration project is on track and gauge how well a restoration site is functioning. Methods and tools are also presented that will help practitioners coordinate monitoring programs and share results with other restoration practitioners leading to increases in the consistency and success of future restoration projects. In addition to post-implementation monitoring, information in these volumes can also be used to help users evaluate the status of specific coastal habitats before restoration projects are implemented.

This manual should not be considered a restoration monitoring "cookbook." It does not provide templates of monitoring plans for specific habitats. Rather, monitoring approaches should be tailored to different habitats and different restoration project goals. The interdependence of site-specific factors causes habitat types to vary in physical and biological structure within and between regions and geographic locations (Kusler and Kentula 1990). Thus, one method may be appropriate for monitoring juvenile fishes in a Great Lakes coastal marsh but, due to differences in hydrodynamics, be inappropriate for use in a marsh on the Atlantic coast.

Availability: Online, for hardcopies contact John.Wickham@noaa.gov or Restoration.Monitoring@noaa.gov

Download options:

*Download the entire report (28MB)
* Download by section:

Note: each of the following habitat and human dimension chapters is a pdf that contains the: introduction, habitat chapter itself, associated appendices, and glossary).


Title: Mobile Bay Activity Book

cover of Mobile Bay Activity BookDescription: An activity book for children highlighting the Mobile Bay, Alabama area. The book is 24 pages long and includes Mobile Bay information, fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders.

Availability: Limited hard copies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (506kb)


cover of NCCOS Strategic Plan FY 2005- FY 2009Title: NCCOS Strategic Plan FY 2005 - FY 2009
Description: Publication provides information on strategies that will guide NCCOS activities over the next five years in order for the organization to provide the scientific understanding and tools needed to support the coastal and oceans management responsibilities of NOAA.

Availability: Online.

Download a copy (2.62MB)


Title: An Integrated Assessment of the Introduction of Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) to the Western Atlantic Ocean
Description: Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex)cover of lionfish integrated assessment are venomous coral reef fishes from the Indian and western Pacific oceans that are now found in the western Atlantic Ocean. This integrated assessment discusses status and trends of the invasive species, the causes of these trends, and their consequences. The 22 page publication also predicts any future outcomes without management action, and provides guidance for potential actions.

Availability: Online, Limited hardcopies; Contact Jon.Hare@noaa.gov or Susan.Baker@noaa.gov.

Download a copy(408 kb)


Title: Ecological Forecasting: New Tools for Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management
ecological forecasting coverDescription: Policy makers, natural resource managers, regulators, and the public often call on scientists to estimate the potential ecological changes caused by both natural and human-induced stresses, and to determine how those changes will impact people and the environment. To develop accurate forecasts of ecological changes we need to: 1) increase understanding of ecosystem composition, structure, and functioning, 2) expand ecosystem monitoring and apply advanced scientific information to make these complex data widely available, and 3) develop and improve forecast and interpretative tools that use a scientific basis to assess the results of management and science policy actions.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; contact ccma.pubs@noaa.gov

Download a copy (size: 3.06 MB)


salish sea activity bookTitle: Salish Sea Activity Book
Description: An activity book for children highlighting the Salish Sea area (Puget Sound, Strait of Georgia, Juan de Fuca Strait, etc) . The book is 24 pages long and includes Salish Sea information, fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (763 kb)


Title: Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats; Volume One: A Framework for Monitoring Plans Under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 160-457) and Volume Two: Tools for Monitoring Coastal Habitats restoration monitoring report: cover
Description: This guidance manual is written in two volumes [Volume One: A Framework for Monitoring Plans Under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 160-457) and Volume Two: Tools for Monitoring Coastal Habitats]. It provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts. In addition, this manual offers a means to detect early warnings that the restoration is on track or not, to gauge how well a restoration site is functioning, to coordinate projects and efforts for consistent and successful restoration, and to evaluate the ecological health of specific coastal habitats both before and after project completion.

The accompanying searchable database allows coastal habitat restoration practitioners to locate regional monitoring programs that may serve as models for the establishment or improvement of their own efforts. Restoration practitioners may also find useful historical data on the condition of US coastal areas from the monitoring programs included in the database.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; contact Restoration.Monitoring@noaa.gov or John.Wickham@noaa.gov

Download a copy - Volume One, Volume Two, or visit the Restoration Monitoring section website.

Download the Report in Sections:


Title: An Assessment of Coastal Hypoxia and Eutrophication in U.S. Waters (Draft)
Description: The activities undertaken to develop this Assessment have been conducted under the auspices of the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR).an assessment of coastal hypoxia and eutrophication: cover The report responds to Congresses call for an “Assessment of Hypoxia” as described in the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (“HABHRCA,” Title VI of P.L. 105 383, section 604(b)). The Assessment examines “the ecological and economic consequences of hypoxia in United States coastal waters; alternatives for reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia; and the social and economic costs and benefits of such alternatives.” Congress passed this legislation in the face of increasing frequency and intensity of outbreaks of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Assessment further supports initial Congressional findings that a significant factor causing or contributing to HABs may include excessive nutrients in coastal waters, and also, that HABs and blooms of non-toxic algal species may lead to other damaging marine conditions, such as hypoxia (reduced oxygen concentrations), which are harmful or fatal to fish, shellfish, and benthic organisms.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (3.59 MB)


Title: Nutrient Pollution in Coastal Waters
Description:Nutrient Pollution in Coastal Waters. This 21-page document is a cooperative effort between NOAA, the National Science Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Geological Survey, addresses the fact that nutrients now pose the largest pollution threat to coastal waters. An estimated two thirds of coastal rivers and bays are moderately to severely degraded from nutrient pollution. This report offers an integrated national research program in response.

Availability: Online; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (3.34 MB)


North Carolina activity bookTitle: Coastal North Carolina Activity Book

Description: An activity book for children highlighting coastal North Carolina issues. The book is 24 pages long and includes North Carolina coast information, fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, images, matching, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders.

Availability: Online, limited hard copies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (646 KB)


Title: Environmental and Aesthetic Impacts of Small Docks and Piers: Workshop Report

Description: This workshop report provides a critical synthesis of potential consequences of the construction, presence, and use of small docks and piers on the coastal environment. Environmental and aesthetic impacts of small docks and piers: workshop report Shading, contamination, and boating associated with docks are discussed, as well as navigation, aesthetic, and quality of life issues. The workshop, which focused on the status of the science, is the first of a series designed to support the development of a science-based decision support tool for small dock management.

The accompanying searchable database includes published literature and unpublished reports on the biological, physical, chemical, ecological, and aesthetic impacts of docks and piers.

Availability: Online, limited hardcopies; contact John.Wickham@noaa.gov

Download a copy (1.91 MB)


chesapeake bay activity book

Title: Chesapeake Bay Activity Book
Description: For children, the first in the series, highlights Chesapeake Bay issues. The book is 24 pages long and includes watershed information, fun facts, drawings to color, connect the dots, find a word, mazes, fish matching, mad-libs, recipes, name that animal pages, etc. Target audience is K-5th graders.

Availability: Online, limited hard copies; contact susan.baker@noaa.gov

Download a copy (2.4 MB)


Cover of An Integrated Assessment: Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Title: An Integrated Assessment: Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Description: A study comprised of six reports that study the hypoxia issue in the Gulf of Mexico. National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. May 2000.

Availability: Online; limited hard copies; contact coastalocean@noaa.gov

Go to the site

Related Studies
Topic 1: Characterization of Hypoxia
Topic 2: Ecological and Economic Consequences of Hypoxia
Topic 3: Flux and Sources of Nutrients in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin
Topic 4: Effects of Reducing Nutrient Loads to Surface Waters within the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico
Topic 5: Reducing Nutrient Loads, Especially Nitrate-Nitrogen, to Surface Water, Ground Water, and the Gulf of Mexico
Topic 6: Evaluation of the Economic Costs and Benefits of Methods for Reducing Nutrient Loads to the Gulf of Mexico