The focus of CSO’s applied research is the intersection of natural coastal science, the social science of decision-making, and policy formation.
We work closely with our members to:
Plan and coordinate research and development activities pertaining to coastal science research, policy research, and outreach to government agencies and environmental research organizations;
Review coastal science research and policy research activities, and prepare and review research, testing, and operational reports;
Work with organizations and partners to further innovative, inclusive, and collaborative scientific research;
Assess research and data needs and capacity of U.S. coastal state and territories for state participation in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) coastal science strategic planning;
Submit comments on research priorities for, and represent CSO with federal coastal research entities, including the NOAA’s National Center for Coastal Ocean Science, Coastal Research Program, United States Geological Survey (USG) Coastal and Marine Hazards program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center, and more;
Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, The Nature Conservancy, American Shore & Beach Preservation Association, and more to address emerging coastal research priorities across the nation;
Coordinate large coastal zone research projects including an upcoming multi-state coastal and nearshore habitat project under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, including researching engineering and design best practices for successful project implementation and working with Great Lakes states to assess research and data needs/ gaps to support project development;
CSO has led and worked collaboratively with academics and non-profit organizations to develop reports on applied science and policy research. Including:
CSO provides scientific and technical input into national and regional coastal studies done by the federal government, academia and our member states. CSO has provided comments and/or served on advisory committees for the following: