CSO’s partners include federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations
*CSO co-hosts Knauss, Digital Coast and Coastal Management Fellows with our federal partners.
CSO coordinates and partners with the nation’s coastal management leaders through the National Ocean Service Roundtable, representing the coastal zone management program alongside the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, the Sea Grant Association, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the Integrated Ocean Observing System Association.
CSO partners with the NOAA Office of Coastal Management and seven national NGOs to deliver data, tools, and resources for coastal management to states and communities through the Digital Coast web portal. The partnership also works to unify and coordinate national NGOs working coastal management issues through conferences, webinars, workshops, and meetings to give coastal professionals a forum to collaborate on key coastal issues.
CSO convenes state-led Work Groups and Webinars on important and timely topics. These give states an opportunity to learn from each other and develop national consensus on policy positions.
The Communications Work Group develops communications tools and messages that explain the value of coastal management and support state coastal zone management programs and CSO. Members provide input and guidance on messaging materials, identify connections with social media campaigns, and participate in communications community of practice.
Staff POC: Rebecca Dennis
Beginning in 2026, CSO holds monthly webinars on a variety of topics. Some previous webinars include topics such as Beach Nourishment and PFAS.
The CSO Legal Council brings together state attorneys and coastal zone managers to discuss timely legal themes and issues impacting the coastal states. The group works to provide opportunities for members to coordinate with other states on key issues and cases, share ideas, and network with counterparts from across the nation.
Staff POC: John Ryan-Henry
