NOS is a scientific and technical organization of NOAA whose mission is to preserve and enhance the nation’s coastal resources and ecosystems along 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.5 million square miles of coastal ocean. At the same time, it works to support economic growth for the long-term benefit of the nation. This theme is central to the sustainable development agenda of both NOAA and the U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC). For detailed information, see: http://www.oceanservice.noaa.gov/about/welcome.html.