TOWARD A NATIONAL AGENDA FOR RESEARCH IN THE COASTAL ZONE - WHERE AREWE

In response to the complex challenges of understanding and managing th e effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems, the research esta blishment has produced a plethora of reports and implemented a bewilde ring array of government-sponsored research and monitoring programs th at are not cost-effective on regional or national scales. Consequently , the gap between national needs and the capacity of the nation's rese arch institutions to respond is growing rapidly, and environmental pol icies are ambiguous at a time when coastal habitats and living resourc es are being lost or degraded at accelerating rates. A case is made th at a grassroots effort is needed to develop cost-effect programs that are responsive to both local needs and national priorities.