Table of Contents
New TCS Officers & Directors
International Cooperation
Message from the President
From the Editor's Desk
The Loss of a Dear Friend and Colleague
When is a Wetland not a Wetland?
NewsNotes
Chapter News
TCS Annual Members Meeting
Upcoming Conferences

Congratulations to New TCS Officers & Directors Back to Table of Contents

President-Elect: Jeff Benoit is the Director of Coastal and Ocean Programs at SRA International in Arlington, Virginia. From 1993 to 2001, he served as Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM).

Secretary: Amy Blizzard is an Assistant Professor in the Planning Program in the Department of Geography at East Carolina University (ECU) where she teaches planning history, theory, and emergency management classes. She is also a member of the ECU homeland security studies program faculty.

Director: Rick Burroughs (re-elected to second term) is a professor in the Department of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island. He has published on ecosystem management, participated in the Pew Commission, and testified before Congress on topics related to the ecosystem approach.

Director: Tali Engoltz is a coastal resource scientist with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Coastal Management Program.

Director: Susan White is the national research coordinator for NOAA's Estuarine Reserves Division and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) within OCRM.

A special thank you to outgoing TCS officers and directors:

Tom Bigford (Director) has been a TCS member since 1976, was TCS Secretary from 1980-82, Bulletin Editor from 1979-1994, Executive Director from 1991-94 and Board member and Chair of the Membership Committee from 2004-06. In his many roles with TCS, he has always offered wisdom and original ideas.

Chad Nelson (Director) served two full terms with TCS during which he was Chair of the Development Committee and provided unique insight and invaluable energy.

Lindsay Fullenkamp (Secretary) served as Chair of the Communications Committee, and brought organization, attention to detail, and leadership to the Board of directors during her tenure.

John Duff (Past-President) provided vital leadership for six years as President-Elect, President and Past President (and numerous committee positions), implementing critical Society and Board initiatives while serving in those roles.

International Cooperation by Ariel Cuschnir Back to Table of Contents

Dear TCS Members,

For the past few months, The Coastal Society has been working with a Salvadoran nongovernmental organization (NGO), MARES, to establish a relationship of mutual aid. Our first goal has been realized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that calls for cooperation in addressing coastal issues; promoting educational outreach and coastal conservation; developing science-based ecological information; and ensuring preparedness, professionalism and continuing education of coastal resource managers.

Under this MOU, The Coastal Society (TCS) through its Board of Directors and volunteer members will act as a "Technical Advisor," providing recommendations for activities that MARES will develop and implement in El Salvador.

This is a first (and very positive) attempt by TCS to reach out to the international NGO community, to spread our message and our expertise, and to assist other countries (particularly those in need of technical support) in addressing emerging coastal challenges. While actual implementation of projects will not happen before early 2007 (planning is underway for an ecological and social baseline study of the Los Cobanos Marine Protected Area), we see this as a very significant step toward expanding the implementation of TCS' mission to other coasts around the world.

"MARES" was established in 2006 (formerly active and known as EcoMarina, founded in 2001) and its objectives are to:

Develop and implement management plans for the sustainable use and protection of El Salvador reefs and associated ecosystems including estuaries, mangroves, dunes, coastal forests, etc. The foundation for these management plans will be environmental, social, and economic principles that will guarantee the environmental sustainability of our reefs, responsible economic development, and social benefits.

Strengthen the government of El Salvador, through technical support for the development of management policies, research and monitoring of our reefs.

Act as liaison for national and international initiatives oriented to ensure the protection of our coasts and for the efficient research and monitoring of these habitats.

Act as liaison between the public sector, academia, government agencies and the private sector for the sustainable integration of coastal activities.

Educate the community of users (fishermen, divers, tourists) and the general population about the importance of the proper use and protection of these resources.

Develop and implement environmental projects in the coastal zone of El Salvador with the purpose of improving knowledge of the ecology of the area, and increasing public and private participation in the conservation and sustainable use of the marine ecosystem of the country.
As part of this MOU, MARES will encourage local and regional coastal management professionals to join TCS and similar professional organizations, participate in associated conferences and symposia, and engage in appropriate leadership roles. In addition, MARES will share resources and expertise with TCS and provide local logistical support for any potential visit to El Salvador by TCS officers or members.

TCS will work to assist with the training needs of MARES members, local stakeholders, and coastal trust resources. We will encourage our members to provide support and advice when possible to MARES in resolving coastal management issues, defining future management challenges, meeting research and technology needs, and advancing educational programs.

MARES and TCS will jointly:

Explore ways to enhance training and professional development for MARES, and to involve TCS Student Chapters in these activities;

Work cooperatively to develop and implement a strategy to build the next generation of coastal resource managers in El Salvador;

Identify ways to enhance interaction and cooperation between MARES and El Salvador government agencies and TCS members including scientists, policy makers, teachers, and coastal managers.

MARES' expression of gratitude towards the support to be received from TCS is summarized in a letter by its President Roberto Lopez:

"It is a pleasure and honor for FUNDACION MARES and its Board of Directors, founders and members, to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an organization of such known reputation as THE COASTAL SOCIETY. The advice and guidance that TCS would provide MARES is going to help develop projects that will benefit our coastal environments and the local communities.

We know there is a long way ahead of us, but with effort and hard work, we will help stop the environmental degradation of the coastal resources of El Salvador.

It's an honor to all of us here at FUNDACION MARES to have the support of THE COASTAL SOCIETY."

For further questions or to be included in a mailing list for future activities with MARES please contact: Ariel Cuschnir (acuschnir@louisberger.com), Paul Ticco (Paul.Ticco@noaa.gov), or Gib Chase (Gib5@charter.net).

I want to welcome MARES as TCS' first participant in a network of international NGOs working together, under a common vision and goals to actively address coastal challenges by fostering dialogue, forging partnerships, and promoting communication and education.

Dr. Cuschnir, a member of the Board of Directors of TCS, is Director for Coastal Programs at the Louis Berger Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C. He manages coastal programs and coastal management projects worldwide, forming partnerships with private, non-profit, and government organizations in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Message from the President Back to Table of Contents

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." -- Thomas Jefferson

Well, I do too, but with all due deference to the incomparable vision of our third and most cultivated President I believe that it's important to embrace both the past and the future, while living fully in the present. As outgoing TCS President, I'm pleased with the many accomplishments of The Coastal Society during the past two years, but am also eagerly looking forward to the days ahead.

During the previous twenty-four months TCS, through the unwavering efforts of many dedicated people, has held a very successful international conference and several other smaller events, established our Coastal Resource Recovery Fundraiser, assisted many students through the energies of our active student chapters, welcomed a new student chapter at the University of Hawaii, produced our quarterly Bulletin, maintained our strong relationship with the Coastal Management journal, entered into a consultative relationship with an important non-profit coastal organization in El Salvador, regularly communicated with our members, offered weekly job announcements, sustained a stable membership, and enter 2007 in a strong and sound financial position.

But we won't rest on this. Already, results from a web-based membership survey are being analyzed in preparation for a Board of Directors retreat designed to examine all aspects of TCS to better serve our members. We are also in preliminary discussions with the University of Delaware to create another new student chapter, are expanding our reach into more international efforts, and are very happy to officially welcome our new President-Elect, Secretary and Board members on the first of next year. Many congratulations to Jeff Benoit, Amy Blizzard, Tali Engoltz, and Susan White for their successful election to TCS management, and a hearty re-welcome to Rick Burroughs who won re-election to the Board.

We also all owe a great deal of thanks to our outgoing Board officers and directors: John Duff, Tom Bigford, Chad Nelson, and Lindsay Fullenkamp. Through their tireless work and years of devotion each gave so much of themselves to move TCS ahead. They're also great people to know and work with. I'm very pleased to call all of them both colleagues and friends.

And therein lies the point. Despite all of the conferences, meetings, Bulletins, daily activities, etc., it's the people, directors and members alike --- their spirit, desire, talents and caring --- that represent the true nature of our organization. I'm extremely proud and very humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve as TCS President these past two years. It's been a wonderful and challenging experience, both personally and professionally, that I'll always treasure. Unfortunately, I do not possess the adroit writing skill to adequately thank everyone within these few paragraphs, but I am certainly indebted to, among others, our directors past and present, student chapter leaders, sponsors, volunteers, Judy Tucker, Ellen Gordon and, most of all, our members.

Fortunately for me, I now slide into the role of Past-President and look forward to working with all of you in a different, yet still rewarding, capacity. As many important challenges and opportunities remain we should all be heartened that the Presidency of TCS will reside in the extremely capable hands of Kristen Fletcher. Thank you very much for all of your support and kindness, and let's keep working together as an organization to better understand and protect our invaluable coasts and oceans.

Paul C. Ticco
TCS President

From the Editor's Desk Back to Table of Contents

In the blink of an eye, 2005 became 2006, becomes 2007. TCS20 is behind us; 2008 and TCS21 will, no doubt, arrive faster than we can imagine. Here in the USA, where mid-term elections have changed things up a bit in Congress, we are looking forward to the new year with great interest. As we bid goodbye to the current year, may the season bring you a measure of peace and happiness. See you in 2007!

Ellen Gordon
ellen@gordonballard.com

The Loss of a Dear Friend and Colleague - Susan Snow-Cotter
by John Duff Back to Table of Contents

The Coastal Society, along with a host of others, lost a great friend and colleague when Susan Snow-Cotter passed away in December. As Director of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Susan had a significant influence on the development of sound coastal policy. More importantly though, it is Susan's spirit and determination that will be her legacy. Susan mentored countless young professionals in her work over the years and was forever looking for opportunities that would enable people to bring their passion to their work.

I saw Susan a few days before she passed away and she showed the same positive spirit and hopeful attitude that has long been a part of her character. She knew that she was facing a particularly aggressive ailment, yet she persevered with her family and professional responsibilities in the face of it all.

The Sunday Boston Globe published an article outlining Susan's remarkable achievements and it tells a great story of a remarkable woman who cherished her family and her work:
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/obituaries/articles/2006/12/17/susan_snow_cotter_at_45_coastal_management_expert/

Those who knew how highly Susan prized education as a means to achieve one's goals will be heartened to know that a fund has been established to support her children's education. Donations in Susan's memory may be made to The Snow-Cotter Family Education Fund, c/o Hingham Institution for Savings, 55 Main Street, Hingham, MA 02043-2590.

I will miss her and I'm sure I am not alone.

When is a Wetland not a Wetland? by Jonathan Lew Back to Table of Contents

Due to the similar issues at hand, the U.S. Supreme Court chose to consolidate the Rapanos and Carabell cases. At issue in each case is whether wetlands lying near ditches or man-made drains that eventually empty into traditional navigable waters constitute a navigable waterway under the Clean Water Act (CWA). If wetlands fall under the CWA, then discharging any dredged or fill material requires a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).[1] In Rapanos, three wetlands were backfilled without a permit and the Sixth Circuit found that the wetlands fell under the CWA because they were hydrologically connected to more remote navigable waterways. Similarly in Carabell, a request for a permit was denied and the Sixth Circuit found federal jurisdiction because the wetland was adjacent to navigable waterways.[2]

In a fractured set of opinions, the Supreme Court vacated the Sixth Circuit's decisions because it had applied an incorrect standard in deciding whether federal jurisdiction extended to tributaries of navigable waterways. Justices Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Chief Justice Roberts formed the plurality while Justices Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg and Breyer formed the dissent. Because no majority exists in the case, the standard to be applied upon remand is that of the concurring opinion by Justice Kennedy.

Plurality
The plurality held that the CWA only grants federal jurisdiction over relatively permanent, standing or flowing bodies of water found in streams and bodies forming geographical features such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.[3] Ephemeral flows of water or isolated ponds are not covered by the CWA because such an "expansive interpretation would result in a significant impingement of the States' traditional and primary power over land and water use."[4] The plurality acknowledged that certain wetlands blend into navigable waters and these wetlands should fall under the CWA. But a "hydrological connection" is not enough for a wetland to be "adjacent to" a navigable waterway. "Only those wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are waters of the United States in their own right, so that there is no clear demarcation between waters and wetlands, are 'adjacent to' such waters and covered by the CWA."[5] (emphasis added). The plurality further discusses the idea that narrowing the definition of adjacent wetland will affect wetland protection. In defense of its conclusion, the plurality states that the CWA is not a Comprehensive National Wetland Protection Act and it is only defining the extent of the Corps' jurisdiction over the waters of the United States.

Concurrence
Justice Kennedy agrees with the plurality that the Sixth Circuit's holdings should be vacated and the cases remanded in order for the proper test to be applied. Justice Kennedy views the "significant nexus" test to be the proper test whereby "to constitute 'navigable waters' under the Act, a water or wetland must possess a 'significant nexus' to waters that are navigable in fact or could reasonably be so made."[6] Kennedy finds the plurality's definition of "water" to be too narrow because such an interpretation overlooks irregular waterways that are dry at times during the year but periodically release powerful volumes of water. "Significant nexus" must be determined on a case by case basis. Justice Kennedy's reasoning for applying the "significant nexus" test is "that wetlands can perform critical functions related to the integrity of other waters - functions such as pollutant trapping, flood control and runoff storage"[7] and regulating these wetlands is necessary to achieve the objective of the CWA, which is "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters."[8]

Dissent
The dissenting justices' argument is that there is ambiguity in the phrase "waters of the United States" and because interpreting it broadly to cover such ditches and streams advances the purpose of the CWA, deference should be given to the Corps.[9] The judiciary should be careful not to substitute its opinion with that of the legislature; furthermore, the plurality's opinion is making a judicial amendment that the legislature did not intend.[10] The dissent found the wetlands at issue in this case fall under regulations interpreting "waters of the United States to cover all traditionally navigable waters; tributaries of these waters; and wetlands adjacent to traditionally navigable waters or their tributaries."[11]

Impact of the Decision
The division in the Supreme Court has resulted in lower courts applying Justice Kennedy's "significant nexus" test since his was the controlling opinion that remanded the case back to the Sixth Circuit. However, the "significant nexus" test is still somewhat undefined. Moreover, many wetland determinations are contingent upon the joint interim guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps. How navigable waters are defined by the EPA and the Corps, whether categorically or otherwise, will be the ultimate test in determining federal jurisdiction.

Footnotes
1 See 33 U.S.C. §§ 1311(a), 1342(a), 1344(a), (d).

2 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' current regulations interpret "the waters of the United States" to "include wetlands adjacent to [such] waters." 33 CFR § 328.3(a)(7) (2004).

3 See Rapanos v. United States, 126 S. Ct 2208, 2220 (2006).

4 Id. at 2224.

5 Id. at 2226.

6 Id. at 2236.

7 33 CFR 320.4(b)(2).

8 33 U.S.C. § 1251(a).

9 See Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. NRDC, 467 U.S. 837 (1984).

10 To avoid judicial amendments to statutes, the agency can choose to issue interim rules to define ambiguous terms.

11 Rapanos at 2255.

Jonathan Lew is a third year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. He received his BA in Rhetoric and Communication from SUNY Albany and plans to take the NY bar when he graduates. jonathan.p.lew@gmail.com.

NewsNotes Back to Table of Contents

IMPACTS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS ON OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS
A global study by an international group of ecologists and economists shows that the loss of biodiversity is profoundly reducing the ocean's ability to produce seafood, resist diseases, filter pollutants, and rebound from stresses such as overfishing and climate change. The study, published in the November 3rd issue of "Science," reveals that every species lost causes a faster unraveling of the overall ecosystem. Conversely every species recovered adds significantly to overall productivity and stability of the ecosystem and its ability to withstand stresses.
http://www.dal.ca/news/2006/11/03/oceanstudy.html (ACZSIC Coastal Update)

COLLAPSE OF WORLD SEAFOOD PREDICTED IF CURRENT TRENDS CONTINUE
A recent study, financed by the National Science Foundation and published by "Science" has concluded that the world will run out of seafood by 2048 if steep declines in marine species continue at current rates. Researchers reached their conclusion after analyzing dozens of ecosystems, forty-eight marine protected areas and fifty-three years worth of fishing data provided by the United Nations. They found that by 2003, the last year for which data on commercial fish catches was available, 29% of all species now being fished had collapsed from overfishing, habitat loss or pollution. The study says that the situation is not hopeless, but only if the world moves quickly to reduce overfishing and other threats.
http://myweb.dal/ca/bworm/Worm_etal_2006science.pdf (CSO Weekly Report)

U.S. CONGRESS APPROVES OFFSHORE DRILLING Hours before adjourning for the year, the U.S. Congress on Saturday, December 9 sent President George W. Bush legislation that would open 8.3 million acres in the Gulf of Mexico to oil and natural gas drilling and redistribute billions of dollars in royalties to four Gulf States. The drilling measure was wrapped into a broad tax and trade package that the U.S. Senate approved by a 79-9 vote, hours after the House of Representatives approved it. The offshore legislation ends a 25-year ban on drilling in deep waters about 125 miles south of Florida's Panhandle, but extends a moratorium on drilling in other Florida waters until 2022. http://www.washingtontonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/09/AR2006120900334.html (Washington Post)

PLASTIC DEBRIS IN THE WORLD'S OCEANS
This report by Greenpeace draws together scientific research on the distribution of marine debris in the world's oceans and its impacts on wildlife. The information is sourced largely from papers that have been
published on this subject between 1990 and 2005. The report also addresses workable solutions to help curb this threat to the marine environment. http://oceans.greenpeace.org/raw/content/en/documents-reports/plastic_ocean_report.pdf. (ACZSIC Coastal Update)

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
One of the most unexpected consequences of global climate change may well turn out to be one of the most severe in terms of impacts on life on earth. As continued carbon emissions accelerate global warming, the carbon dioxide contained in those emissions is dramatically reducing the alkalinity of the oceans. Concentration of CO2 in the air today, 380 parts per million is higher than it has been at any point in at least the past 650,000 years. As pH drops, there's a whole category of organisms that have been around for millions of years which are at risk of extinction, i.e., things that build calcium-carbonate shells or skeletons. PH is a critical variable not just in calcification but in other vital marine processes, like the cycling of nutrients.
http://www.thew2o.net/subscribeNewsletter.html (W2O Observer)
https://www6.miami.edu/media/2006-11-15-newyork-darkeningsea.pdf (The New Yorker Magazine)

ICELAND TO RESUME COMMERCIAL WHALE HUNTS
Ignoring the international moratorium, Iceland will allow whalers to harpoon a small commercial quota of 30 minke and 9 fin whales until August, 2007. The environmental group Greenpeace denounced the decision. The European Union has already condemned the resumed hunt. A group of twenty countries including the United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil have joined forces to urge Iceland to reconsider their policies.
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm.newsid/38598/newsDate/23-Oct-2006/story.htm (EUCC News)

REPORT ON US POPULATION AND ENVIRONMENT
The Center for the Environment and Population has released the "U.S. National Report on Population and the Environment" which provides an overview of how human population factors affect America's environment and natural resource base. The report is divided into 2 sections, the first a population profile of the US, describing trends in growth, movement, composition and rates and types of resource consumption. The second section examines how those populations trends are linked to and impact key environmental sectors.
http://www.cepnet.org/ducuments/USNatlReptFinal.pdf (CSO Weekly Report)

FERC ISSUES FINAL RULE RELATED TO PRE-FILING PROCESS FOR LNG FACILITIES
In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released a Final Rulemaking requiring potential developers of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals to initiate pre-filing procedures at least six months prior to filing a formal application with FERC. The intent of the rule is to promote early identification and resolution of issues surrounding authorization of LNG import facilities and to facilitate community involvement. In addition, the rule outlines the authority of FERC to coordinate the process of federal and state authorization for natural gas projects.
http://www.ferc.gov/legal/maj-ord-reg/fed-sta/ene-pol-act.asp (CSO Weekly Report)

INCREASED RAW SEWAGE IN COASTAL AREAS, DECREASED OIL AND CHEMICAL THREATS
Globally, levels of oily wastes discharged from industry and cities have, since the mid-80s, been cut by close to 90%. Other successes are being scored in cutting marine contamination from toxic persistent organic pollutants like DDT and discharges of radioactive wastes. However, coastal areas are suffering a rising tide of sewage: 80-90% of sewage in developing countries enters the coastal zone raw and untreated, putting at risk human health and wildlife and livelihoods from fisheries to tourism.
www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/38577/storm.htm (EUCC News)

ARCTIC MAY BE ICE-FREE BY SUMMER 2040
Global warming could leave the Arctic without ice during the summer as early as 2040, a study by a team of US and Canadian scientists shows. The research, to be published by the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters found that the extent of sea ice each September could be reduced so abruptly that, within about 20 years, it may begin retreating four times faster than at any time in the observed record. "We have already witnessed major losses in sea ice, but our research suggests that the decrease over the next few decades could be far more dramatic than anything that has happened so far," said lead researcher Marika Holland from the US National Center for Atmospheric Research.
http://www.planetark.com/

POLAR BEARS DROWN, ISLANDS APPEAR IN ARCTIC THAW
Polar bears are drowning and receding Arctic glaciers have uncovered previously unknown islands in a drastic 2006 summer thaw widely blamed on global warming. Some bears have been found apparently stranded at sea by melting ice. NASA projected that receding Arctic sea ice in 2006 is close to the low recorded in 2005, part of a melting trend in recent decades. http://www.planetark.org/dailynewstory.cfm/newsid/38124/newsDate/18-Sep-2006/story.htm

EXTREME LIFE, MARINE STYLE, HIGHLIGHTS 2006 OCEAN CENSUS
A host of discoveries that stretch the extreme frontiers of marine knowledge were achieved by the Census of Marine Life in 2006. They include life adapted to brutal conditions around 407 degrees C fluids spewing from a seafloor vent (the hottest ever discovered), a mighty microbe 1 cm in diameter, mysterious 4 lb lobsters off the Madagascar coast, a US school of fish the size of Manhattan Island and more unfamiliar species turned up beneath 700 meters of Antarctic ice. This year's update is part of a study of life in the oceans that is scheduled for final publication in 2010. The census is an international effort supported by governments, divisions of the United Nations and private conservation organizations. About 2,000 researchers from 80 countries are participating.
http://www.coml.org/

MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT RENEWED
Congress passed an overhaul of the rules that govern the U.S. fishing industry, with provisions instructing fishery managers to adhere strictly to scientific advice so as not to deplete the ocean. The final language of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act was a compromise between environmental and fishing interests. The measure mandates an end to overfishing of depleted species within 2.5 years and allows the selling and trading of shares in a fishery to promote conservation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/09/AR2006120900818.html

Chapter News Back to Table of Contents

East Carolina University (ECU)
In May, we sent four people to St. Pete for TCS20. Two presented papers, and two attended the student forums, where we got some great feedback and ideas from the other student chapters.

In October, two members traveled to the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City to help the Duke Chapter run their fundraising booth. It was a fun and frenzied day of making and selling shrimp kabobs, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow student members.

In November, we held our second annual Coastal Research Banquet in conjunction with ECU's Coastal Resources Management Program. As in the previous year, the banquet featured presentations on current student research, poster displays and a buffet dinner. This year, however, we added an online auction as a fundraiser, with bids closing on the afternoon of the dinner. The banquet was a smashing success, and the auction was indeed a grand experiment.

Items were donated by local artisans and businesses, and ranged from handcrafted jewelry and a rare print, to a sunset cruise for two and opportunities to experience the shipwreck Queen Anne's Revenge. The auction was conducted on eBay, and was relatively successful. We didn't raise nearly as much money as the Duke Chapter did at their festival booth, but the entire chapter also didn't have to spend a day or two elbow-deep in shrimp goo! Fundraising aside, the events raised our profile, increasing interest in TCS here at ECU.

University of Washington (UW)
Since September of this year we've organized several events. On November 15, we hosted Blue Drinks, a new happy hour networking opportunity for students and professionals in water and marine-related fields. This event is modeled after Seattle's popular Green Drinks event for environmental and sustainability networking. Blue Drinks was co-sponsored by the Fisheries Interdisciplinary Network of Students (FINS) and welcomes all students and professionals working in water-related fields. Blue Drinks is a young event that we are hoping will catch on and grow.
TCS-UW hosted a restoration/invasive species removal event at Golden Gardens on Sunday, October 29th, from 10 am to 3 pm. A group of about a dozen students removed invasives from several sites at the northern part of Golden Gardens Park and planted native species.

Brown Bag Seminars are ongoing, lunchtime presentations meant to provide students a way to interact with professors and other professionals in marine-related careers so as to learn more about their research or specialty. On Monday, October 9th, John Delaney, Program Director of project NEPTUNE and Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington spoke to us. Our November 29 Brown Bag speaker was to be Micah McCarty, Tribal Council Member, Makah Nation. Mr. McCarty is a member of the Makah Nation, a drum maker, and a woodcarver of traditional tribal imagery. He planned to focus on issues of interest to the Makah tribe that are also relevant to marine affairs. Bad weather prevented us from holding the Brown Bag, though we hope to reschedule in the future.

University of Rhode Island Chapter (URI)
We have been busier than usual here at the University of Rhode Island. Our top goal for the semester was to increase the breadth and scope of TCS across the campus, in an attempt to reach all interested parties and departments. We felt there had to be a tremendous amount of interest but not enough familiarity. So, two firsts for TCS-URI; a concerted effort was put forth at the beginning of the semester to promote TCS to all departments by handing out informational packets and personally speaking to each department chair. Just as essential, we were able to post all information for our upcoming TCS Forums on the College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) Internet newsletter, which is sent to students, staff, and faculty in 10 coastal, ecological, and marine-related departments.

Chrissy, our co-president this year, has been working hard on our TCS Forums and TCS Socials. To start the semester off, TCS and the Marine Affairs department co-hosted a welcome BBQ for the new Marine Affairs students, complete with veggie burgers and softball. Our regularly scheduled events have included five TCS Forums and five TCS Socials, taking place on alternating weeks throughout the semester. TCS chapter meetings follow each Forum.

The highlight of our Socials was an evening in which Marine Affairs, Oceanography, Resource Economics, and Natural Resources Science graduate students all celebrated together, happily toasting one another. To date, these are the most URI departments ever to have joined in one event.

Our Forums have featured: Peter Lord, Environment Reporter for the Providence Journal speaking on state environmental issues and controversies; Dawn Kotowicz, Marine Affairs PhD candidate on her research on recovery and resilience in tsunami-ravaged Thailand; Carissa Lord, Secretary of the Rhode Island Surfrider Foundation Chapter, and Kira Stillwell, Board Member of Surfrider (National), updating us on Surfrider Foundation's activities and programs and potential for collaboration; Dwight Coleman, Director of Research for the Institute of Exploration at Mystic Aquarium, on recent expeditions and discoveries of underwater archaeological sites; and Steven Smith, Executive Director of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District on "Growth in Southeastern Massachusetts: Coastal Conflicts and Regional Solutions."

Dan, our other co-president this year has been busy creating more and varied outside events. Since the semester began, TCS has been involved in more than a half-dozen beach clean-ups in the Narragansett/Newport/Jamestown area and took part in the annual October Trick or Trash event put on by the Surfrider Foundation and Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. Other events have included a field trip to the Working Waterfronts Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a bicycle trip to Block Island and Champlain's Marina, and informal monthly surf film get-togethers in Westerly. The TCS-URI board also promoted and encouraged many events, speakers, and presentations as part of Coastweeks 2006, as well as partnering with the Environmental Law Society at nearby Roger Williams University to increase participation at events hosted by both our organizations.

Additionally, TCS is in the process of securing a Right-of-Way (ROW) designation through application to the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC). Once this location is designated, TCS would organize monthly clean-ups on the trail and beach, thereby ensuring that the spot is being used by the public, a key requirement for right-of-way status. Although our particular "spot" is "on appeal", we have been busy researching and uncovering the legal history behind it as a TCS project, and for the CRMC. Finally, while this project is underway, an alternative, temporary ROW is being selected for TCS.

Finally, Sarah, our treasurer, has been raising funds from membership dues by expanding our local chapter membership. Next semester, we will be using these funds to host a career information panel comprised of URI alumni in various coastal fields. We are also in the process of opening a bank account through the University of Rhode Island

Duke University
Continuing in the successful footsteps of previous years, The Duke University chapter has been furthering our goals by hosting the 6th annual Neuse River Triathlon as well as participating in the North Carolina Seafood festival.

On September 23, 2006, within the scope of the Triathlon, TCS hosted more than 65 participants at Piver's Island, home of the Duke University Marine Laboratory. The event raised over $500 which was donated to the Neuse Rover Foundation, and was the first time the Duke student Chapter of TCS met this donation goal without the help of the University. This is a major accomplishment in our eyes as a student chapter, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Beaufort events coordinator, Kelly O'Rourke. It is of special note that the student officers here decided, based on her outstanding performance in furthering the ideals of The Coastal Society, to nominate Kelly for a national TCS award.

When our chapter found out that there was no such award, we set to work, with the assistance of Dr. Mike Orbach (our faculty liaison) and the help of TCS President Paul Ticco and Executive Director Judy Tucker, to create an award recognizing a student member for outstanding service to TCS. This work culminated in a particular section of the national survey sent out this fall, and will, we hope, conclude with the establishment of the award, perhaps as early as January 2007.

On October 7th, The Duke University chapter played host to the wonderful folks of the East Carolina chapter at the annual North Carolina Seafood festival in Morehead City, NC. The event was a total success, with both groups working hard to spread the word on sustainable seafood while serving shrimp kabobs to the myriad crowds at the event. The booth raised $350 for Restore America's Estuaries, and was a major public display for both East Carolina and Duke University's chapters of The Coastal Society.

As for the next semester and beyond, our chapter will be planning an event in the spring. The student chapter is traditionally inactive then, but as current officers, we feel that one event is feasible, and would be a good primer for the incoming officers of next year's class. Duke TCS will also be helping the newly created student chapter of The American Fisheries Society get on its feet, with talk of further splitting efforts at the seafood booth at next year's Seafood Festival to help that new chapter along. We'll be keeping busy, with much to look toward!

TCS Annual Members Meeting Back to Table of Contents

St. Pete Beach, FL at TCS 20
May 16, 2006, 7:30 AM

Attendance: There were about 30 people in attendance. President Paul Ticco welcomed everyone, recognized new TCS Board member Patrick Christie and ex-officio member Kimberly Lellis, and started self-introductions around the room.

Expanded Activities: Ticco reported that TCS was beginning to expand its activities. He noted that in the past year TCS had sponsored events at the NE Regional CZM Partners Workshop, the Coastal and Ocean Managers meeting and the TCS student chapter at East Carolina University Ph.D. program. A seminar series and frequent network gatherings in the DC Metro area were held. A new student chapter at the University of Hawaii was forming.

TCS has intentionally limited the size of its conferences to retain their character, but it could scale up the size of its membership somewhat to help cover some of the fixed costs of the organization. Turnover of membership, especially student members, is a concern which TCS will study. New chapters would increase the opportunity for active involvement in TCS. To help direct the future plans of the organization, TCS will be distributing to the membership a questionnaire about the mission of the organization and suggestions for possible long range plans for TCS.

Bulletin: Editor Ellen Gordon reported that there will be a special issue of the TCS Bulletin published to reflect the events of TCS 20 which can be used to share the solutions found at the conference with the TCS membership and others interested in coastal and ocean issues.

Robert W. Knecht Award for Professional Promise: Ticco announced that a new TCS award will be presented at TCS conferences to a rising professional in the field of coastal and ocean management who, in their early career, best emulates the vigor, dedication, vision and generosity of Robert W. Knecht.

CRRF: A fundraising effort to aid the Gulf states in their recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (the Coastal Resource Recovery Fundraiser) is underway at the conference. Recipients will be local organizations working to rebuild and develop new planning regimes for the coastal areas in those states.

TCS21: The next conference will be in 2008. Proposals for its location should be forwarded to Ticco. TCS would also like to announce the location for TCS-22 ASAP.

Strategic Planning Retreat: The TCS Board will be having a long-range strategic planning meeting early next year to develop new strategies for TCS, examine the mission and bylaws of TCS, and discuss membership, cost of membership, the possible expansion of student chapters, the roles of Board members and committees, the possible wider dissemination of the Coastal Management Journal, and many other issues. Results of surveys to members, former members and students will play a role in determining the future of TCS.

Board Elections: Ticco reported that elections to the Board this year will result in a turnover of at least three Board members, and the President-Elect position.

Format of Next Annual Meeting: Ticco requested that suggestions for getting more TCS members to attend the Annual Meeting, or a new format or venue for holding it, should be sent to him.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 am.

Upcoming Conferences Back to Table of Contents

American Water Resources Association's Third Annual Natural Resources Policy Dialogue
January 22-23, 2007, Arlington, VA
Policy implications of national water issues
http://www.awra.org/meetings/DC2007/index.html

National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Carless Society
February 8-9 2007, University of New Orleans, Louisiana
https://mail2.uno.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.carlessevacuation.org/

International Conference on Coastal Conservation and Managmenet in the Atlantic and Mediterranean
March 22-26, 2007, Hammamet, Tunisia
http://www.fe.up.pt/ihrh/icccm07/

Working Waterways & Waterfronts - A National Symposium on Water Access
May 9 to 11, 2007, Norfolk, VA
explore solutions to the loss of water access that is hindering recreational boaters, commercial fishermen and water-dependent businesses around the nation's coasts.
http://www.wateracess2007.com

5th International Symposium on Digital Earth
June 5-9, 2007, San Francisco, CA
Global partnership collaborating for a better future
http://www.isde5.org

International Symposium on ICZM
June 11-14, 2007, Arendal, Norway
This international multi-disciplinary conference is intended to promote science and integration of knowledge for the sustainable management of coastal resources. It will provide a venue for scientists, engineers, managers and policy-makers to discuss recent advances and innovative ideas, share experiences and develop networks.
http://www.imr.no/iczm/home

Oceans 2007
June 18-21, 2007, Aberdeen, Scotland
http://www.oceans07ieeeaberdeen.org

13th International Conference on the Environment
June 30 - July 3, 2007, Portland, Maine,
http://www.ieaonline.org

17th World Conference on Disaster Management
July 8-11, 2007, Toronto, Canada
Addressing issues common to all aspects of disaster/emergency management
http://www.wcdm.org

Coastal Zone 07
July 22-26, 2007, Portland, OR
Brewing Local Solutions to Your Coastal Issues
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz

European Symposium On Marine Protected Areas
September 25-28, 2007, Murcia, Spain
Present and discuss the results from ongoing European and international marine protected area (MPA) research http://www.mpasymposium2007.eu/index.html

International Conference on Management and Restoration of Coastal Dunes
October 3-5, 2007, Santander, Spain
https://www/iccd07.com