9416294 Hobbie The LMER research program seeks to investigate and understand the changes that are occurring in coastal environments due to human population growth, land use changes and global climate change. To comprehend the many factors involved, it is necessary to conduct research on a multidisciplinary, comprehensive and coordinated level. Accordingly, the LMER sites have met regularly, through funding from NSF to facilitate the cooperation needed to solve common problems, compare results, focus on shared goals and coordinate research with various coastal ecosystem programs. The LMER Coordinating Committee and the Coordination Office have developed an awareness of the LMER program within the scientific community as well as facilitated opportunities for cooperative research, coordinated LMER activities with other federal agencies, and created ties to international coastal research efforts. The Coordination Office has greatly increased communication among the projects and facilitated the organization of special focus scientific meetings. This project will provide support for the continued operation of the LMER Coordination Office at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, support the activities of the LMER Coordinating Committee and organize regular meetings of the LMER scientists and others to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to the study of these environmentally important ecosystems.
