Committee to Review the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program & Division on Earth and Life Studies 
Science for Decisionmaking [PDF ebook] 
Coastal and Marine Geology at the U.S. Geological Survey

The coastlines of the United States are beautiful places to live, work and play. But, they are also very fragile areas whose ecosystems are vulnerable to mismanagement. There are many complex issues facing the ocean science community at the federal, state and local levelsthis report reflects the conclusions and recommendations of the National Academies drawing on discussions with USGS as well as input from potential users, clients and collaborators of the Coastal and Marine Geology Program.