Our nation's coastal ecosystems are vital to our economy and quality of life; however, the health of these resources is in decline. Explore this site to gain a deeper appreciation of the connections among healthy coastal ecosystems, a robust U.S. economy, a safe population, and a sustainable quality of life for coastal residents... and the consequent need to better understand, manage, and protect our nation's coastal resources.
- When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. -John Muir
- Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. -Chief Seattle, 1855
- As an ecologist, I focus on connections - connections among the land, sea, and air, and connections between nature and people. - Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator
- The oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes provide jobs, food, energy resources, ecological services, recreation, and tourism opportunities, and play critical roles in our Nation's transportation, economy, and trade. - President Barack Obama
