Ecosystem Goal: Ecosystem Research Program

Program Manager:  Leon Cammen
Program Coordinator:  

Brief Program Description:

The Ecosystem Research Program (ERP) provides scientific information and tools necessary for ecosystem management to the other Goal programs and to coastal stakeholders. ERP’s ecosystem assessments and research focus on natural and anthropogenic factors that affect coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean ecosystems. ERP is developing integrated ecosystem models and forecasts that, when coupled with ERP’s socioeconomic research, will enable resource managers to make scientifically based, better informed decisions that balance the costs and benefits for both the ecosystem and society. ERP is responsible for the exploration of the oceans and the development and enhancement of ocean and coastal resources. ERP develops and transfers technology and tools to resource managers (including other NOAA Ecosystem Programs), and works with coastal stakeholders through engagement, capacity building, and education. ERP is educating our next generation to become environmental stewards.

• Resource managers have the best available science to make ecosystem-based decisions
• A well-informed public acts as an effective steward of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources
• Human health risks decrease as a result of improvements in the condition of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources
• Resource managers benefit from the transfer of technology that ensures sustainable use of marine resources
• New resources are discovered or developed
• Sufficient knowledge available to develop ecosystem-based models
• Analyses of regional ecosystems and the component parts of ecosystems are available
• New or improved environmental technologies are demonstrated
• Operational ecological forecast models are transferred
• Tools and information are transferred to the appropriate NOAA programs and/or local states and regional agencies to enhance decision making
• Resources allocation and ecosystem function are optimized
• The ability to balance social, economic, and environmental goals in ecosystem management is achieved
• Life-long environmental literacy programs are expanded
• NOAA trains the next generation of diverse, multi-disciplinary marine, coastal, and Great Lakes scientists
• Understanding, acceptance and support of resource management decisions is increased
• Research findings are integrated into education programs
• Baseline characterizations of ecosystems including integrated ocean mapping products are available
• Social and economic impacts are determined
• Indicators of ecosystem condition are identified
• Technologies that increase understanding and responsible use of ecosystems are developed or improved
• Stressors affecting ecosystem condition are identified
• Research priorities for ecosystems and their component parts are established

President’s FY 05 budget request:  $186.7M