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FEDERAL AGENCIES COORDINATE ON COASTAL MONITORING PLAN

Release Date: 01/05/2001
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FEDERAL AGENCIES COORDINATE ON COASTAL MONITORING PLAN


On Dec. 20, 2000, EPA, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), jointly released the first comprehensive and nationally-consistent strategy for research on and monitoring of this country’s coastal waters. The strategy is the first effort to integrate the federal government’s coastal monitoring and research activities on a national scale. Oceans and coastal areas are increasingly impacted by population growth, expanding onshore and offshore industry, and recreational activities. Environmental issues common to most coastal states include runoff, nutrient enrichment, algae blooms, pathogens, toxic contaminants, habitat change and invasive species. In sheer surface area, the coastal waters of the U.S. represent the largest economic and environmental zone in the nation, stretching 95,000 miles along oceans, estuaries and the Great Lakes. More information on the Coastal Research and Monitoring Strategy can be found on the Clean Water Action Plan Web site at: http://www.cleanwater.gov .

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