On July 17-21, 2011, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science program managers and sponsored scientists hosted sessions on translating scientific results for use by decision makers at the 2011 Coastal Zone Conference in Chicago, Illinois. NCCOS's strategy of sponsoring quality science useful to coastal managers was on display at three sessions:
- Integrated modeling of Great Lakes ecosystems;
- a round table "café" discussion to identify existing and predictive information needs for scenario-based ecosystem forecasts; and
- using watershed approaches to mitigate coastal hypoxia.
These sessions show how NCCOS ecological forecasts can allow managers to decide what future conditions are acceptable to society and to take appropriate actions to affect those conditions; ecological forecasts are the bridge between research science and policy.
The schedule of NCCOS-sponsored sessions:
- Integrated Modeling of Great Lakes Ecosystems (F. Martinez, T. Johengen, M. Colton, H. Vanderploeg, et al.; Wed. July 20, 8:30-10:00 a.m., 1:00-2:15 p.m., 2:45-4:00 p.m., and 4:15-5:30 p.m.)
- Forecasting Scenarios for Coastal Management: Can We Focus the Crystal Ball? (Café conversation, E. Turner and N. Gaber; Wed., July 20, 4:15-5:30 p.m.)
- Watershed Approach to Mitigating Hypoxia in Coastal Waters (D. Kidwell, R. Magnien et al.; Wed. July 20, 4:15-5:30 p.m.)