NERR Coastal Training Program Schedule Calendar of Events   Climate Training Workshop  "Planning for Climate Change"

The Coastal Training Program provides up-to-date scientific information and skill-building opportunities to individuals who are responsible for making decisions that affect coastal resources. Through this program, National Estuarine Research Reserves can ensure that coastal decision-makers have the knowledge and tools they need to address critical resource management issues of concern to local communities.

Coastal Training Programs offered by reserves focus on issues such as coastal habitat conservation and restoration, biodiversity, water quality and sustainable resource management. Programs target a range of audiences, including land-use planners, elected officials, regulators, land developers, community groups, environmental non-profits and coastal businesses. These training programs provide a range of opportunities for professionals to network across disciplines, and develop new collaborative relationships to solve complex environmental problems.

Sarah Scherer, of NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, demonstrates how to access a beach to determine percentage oil coverage in a spill during a Coastal Training Program at the South Slough Reserve, in Oregon.

The Coastal Training Programs are developed in a variety of formats ranging from seminars, hands-on skill training, participatory workshops, lectures and technology demonstrations. Participants benefit from opportunities to share experiences and network in a multidisciplinary setting, often with a reserve-based field activity.

Partnerships are key to the success of the program. Reserves work closely with State Coastal Programs, Sea Grant College extension and education staff, and a host of local partners in determining key coastal resource issues to address, as well as the identification of target audiences. Partnerships with local agencies and organizations are critical in the exchange and sharing of expertise and resources to deliver relevant and accessible training programs that meet the needs of specific groups.

Since 1994, through workshops and seminars alone, reserves have reached over 13,000 coastal decision-makers. These programs have resulted in better-informed decision-making around coastal resource issues and improved coastal stewardship at local and regional levels..

For more information contact Matt.Chasse@noaa.gov.