The Coastal Society
2004 Conference

Measure for Measure:
How do we gauge coastal stewardship?

May 23-26, 2004
Newport, Rhode Island

Guidelines for Presenters
Call for Papers
Abstract Submission
Paper Submissions
Paper Guidelines
Poster Presentation
Presentation Guidelines
Student Awards  

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CONCURRENT THEMES

Coastal Governance
Leaders: Thomas Skinner & Joelle Y. Gore

What is “successful” governance? Who makes decisions about the manner in which coastal areas or resources are used? What cultural, social, economic and political factors influence governance and how? Can good governance models be transferred from one area (or resource) to another? TCS19 will examine international, national, regional and local governance issues. We welcome papers addressing governmental structures as well as participatory processes. Methods of identifying management goals and integrating those goals into suitable governance models are particularly welcome.

Coastal Land Use
Leaders: Stephanie Showalter & Arial Cushnir

How do we use the land in our coastal zones? What functions do coastal lands provide? Are we loving the coasts to death? Are current laws and policies adequate and/or effective? TCS19 will examine issues regarding the manner in which coastal lands may be managed and used. We invite contributions dealing with the socio-economic, biophysical, legal and political aspects of coastal land stewardship. Particularly welcome are contributions regarding information collection and assessment systems (including GIS) that inform myriad coastal land use debates. Also welcome are contributions dealing with water-dependent industries, private property use, public access and zoning.

Water Quality
Leaders: Darrell Brown & Richard Burroughs

How do we assess water quality? What factors influence differentiated water quality standards and how? TCS 19 will examine the manner in which biophysical information is collected, analyzed and used in water quality program design, implementation and evaluation. We encourage contributions dealing with nutrient control efforts, non-point source programs, contaminated sediments management, oil spill damage assessment and environmental restoration. Also welcome will be discussions on approaches to measuring political will, human values (exemplified through “acceptable” baselines), economic values, and other human dimensions of this theme. Finally, we seek examples of measurement innovations applied to management and regulatory issues that may drive future program development.

Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management
Leaders: Thomas Bigford & Timothy Hennessey

What is an ecosystem? How do we define and manage 'essential' or 'critical' habitat? What approaches can be employed to monitor ecosystems and habitat areas? Can humans effectively manage large natural systems? What roles should marine protected areas (MPAs) play? TCS19 will examine the manner in which measurement and assessment methods influence habitat and ecosystem-based management. We are particularly interested in contributions dealing with ecosystem function evaluation. We are also interested in contributions regarding the identification of threatened systems (e.g. certain wetlands or coral reefs) and the methods and processes designed to protect them.

last updated 03/03/2004 KB
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