ERP research and development provides the Ecosystem Goal Team and NOAA’s stakeholders five capabilities:

1. Explore and characterize ecosystem health: Sound management of coastal and ocean ecosystems requires scientifically-based information on their health. Exploration and characterization includes identification of the physical location (ecosystem boundaries), spatial extent, and biological, chemical, and physical characteristics. NOAA ecosystem characterizations are cornerstones to ecosystem-based management and the basis for many coastal and ocean management tools including forecasts, assessments, and management plans. They also provide the baseline for future assessments of ecosystem condition or change.

2. Identify causes and consequences of changes in ecosystem condition: Ecosystem condition is determined by the interactions between pollution, land and resource use, climate change, invasive species, and extreme events (e.g., storms, disease, and harmful algal blooms). Reducing or mitigating impacts of these stressors requires understanding the ecological and oceanographic processes that govern the structure and function of coastal and ocean ecosystems. With this capability, ERP identifies the stressors affecting ecosystem condition and determines the processes by which they act. As a result, resource managers will have the information they need to balance environmental, social, and economic goals. This capability will also support the research needs of all Ecosystem Goal Team Programs and other ecosystem initiatives important to NOAA.

3. Develop forecasts to predict ecological and socioeconomic impacts: ERP develops models to support an expanding suite of integrated ecosystem status and health forecasts that provide coastal decision-makers better insight into the consequences of their actions in the context of societal needs and desires. Managers will use NOAA forecasts to understand the impact of ecosystem stressors and to evaluate the potential effects of management actions. These forecasts will be improved with data from the broad network of coastal observing systems being established around the U.S. coasts, including those supported by the Ecosystem Observing Program.

4. Develop technologies and tools: One output of NOAA ecosystem research is new, or significantly improved, hardware, software, or techniques that allow coastal resource managers and coastal constituents to better use, protect, and restore the coastal environment and its resources. ERP tools and technology increase our understanding of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems, and/or ensure their responsible use (e.g. research and development of sustainable marine natural products and aquaculture).

5. Strengthen stewardship through outreach and education: This capability enhances informed decision-making through knowledge transfer and strives to have citizens, educators, resource managers, community leaders and industry routinely use and benefit from ERP products and services. This capability also facilitates the transition to application of new research, technologies, and tools. This capability includes engagement with coastal communities, stakeholders, and users regarding coastal marine issues.

HUGO - Seafloor Exploration