About the Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a world
leader in coastal science and management. NOAA’s Coastal Services Center
provides the technology, information, and management strategies used by local,
state, and national organizations to address complex coastal issues.
The Center, which is housed within NOAA’s National Ocean Service, has
offices and staff members in all six regions of the U.S. coastal zone.
What We Do
Many governmental organizations, particularly on the local and state levels, are not fully equipped to address the challenges associated with flooding, hurricanes, sea level rise, and other coastal hazards. It is for this reason the NOAA Coastal Services was created.
The Center brings NOAA products and services to these entities, and develops new products and services as well. The Center’s core areas of expertise include geospatial technologies; training; and social science. Products and services developed by the Center include data, tools, training, and technical assistance.
The Digital Coast, which was developed by the NOAA Coastal Services Center, is the delivery mechanism for many of the Center’s web-based products. Visit the Center’s home page to learn more about the organization and gain access to the Digital Coast.
Operating Principles and Core Values
- Focusing on customers, quality, and results
- Acting as a catalyst for innovation and change
- Building effective partnerships across NOAA and beyond government
- Being national in scope but local in approach
Customers
"Coastal resource managers" represents the shorthand often used to identify the Center's constituent base, as Center products are applicable to most organizations and professionals whose job or interests involve the wise use of coastal resources. These include
- Coastal planners
- Natural resource agencies
- Regulatory agencies
- Emergency management officials
- Floodplain managers
- Conservation organizations
- Member organizations (such as the Coastal States Organization and the National Association of Counties)
- Regional ocean governance organizations