The Strategy presents a basic assessment of the Nation's coastal research and monitoring needs, and recommends an integrated framework to address the needs of the Nation and the coastal States and Tribes in order to protect vital coastal resources. This work was identified in the Clean Water Action Plan, as part of a renewed effort by the Federal agencies, in partnership with States and Tribes to restore and protect the Nation's estuarine and coastal areas. The Action Plan outlined several key directions for reorienting the Nation's water programs to enhance stewardship of critical coastal resources. The most fundamental of these commitments is a focus on enhancing coastal research and monitoring activities. Current responsibilities for coastal research and monitoring are often distributed among a variety of agencies. The wide distribution of these responsibilities can result in duplication of effort, informational gaps, and an incomplete understanding of resource conditions. In recognition of this fact, the Strategy was built upon input from a wide range of groups and individuals including non-government organizations, State and local governments, Tribes, the research community and other interests and thus, we believe, will be workable and sustainable.

Cover title. "September 2000"--Cover. Microfiche.