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SUSCOS
Setting A New Course for U.S. Coastal Ocean Science
Final Report of the Subcommittee on U.S. Coastal Ocean Science
This document is result of the deliberations of the interagency Subcommittee
on U.S. Coastal Ocean Science (SUSCOS). The Subcommittee grew out of an informal
initiative, begun in 1990, on the part of several Federal agencies interested
in coordinating their efforts related to the health and sustainability of
the coastal ocean. The group later expanded and organized into a Coastal Ocean
Science Working Group. In August 1992 this group received a charter from the
Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES) of the Federal Coordinating
Council for Science, Engineering and Technology which was led by the President's
Science Advisor. The charter stated that the purpose of the SUSCOS was "to
develop a program to provide a predictive understanding of the interactive
processes associated with the coastal ocean environment, thereby providing
a scientific basis for the national and international policymaking related
to the utilization and management of coastal ocean resources and their environment."
The SUSCOS Final Report is composed of two phases. "Phase I: Inventory of
Federal Programs" highlights critical national concerns for the coastal ocean,
inventories Federal support of science to resolve those concerns, and identifies
areas of emphasis for future scientific efforts. To guide development of a
Federal Coastal Ocean Science Strategy, SUSCOS proposes the adoption of one
fundamental National Goal: "To establish improved predictive capabilities
for coastal ocean systems that link physical processes, biogeochemical cycles,
and the interactions of living marine resources."
"Phase II: The Strategic Framework" sets out a conceptual model for general
areas of Federal coordination needed to achieve the National Goal. It identifies
four Strategic Issues cutting across the missions, responsibilities, and capabilities
of many Federal agencies. These are: Restoring and Protecting Coastal Ecosystems,
Sustaining Coastal Resources, Protecting Coastal Life and Property, and Ensuring
National Defense. A common thread among these four Strategic Issues is the
need to improve the Nation's ability to manage for change--change caused both
naturally and by human intervention. To accomplish this, the Framework identifies
four interdependent Integrating Priorities: Prediction, Information, Observation,
and Research.
For copies of the report, please contact us at the number and address below
or email to: coastalocean@cop.noaa.gov
Last updated August 6, 2001
CSCOR/Coastal Ocean Program
1305 East-West Highway, Room 8307
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 713-3338
Comments to coastalocean@cop.noaa.gov
