Overview

 Marine and coastal ecosystems include estuaries and coastal waters and lands. Within these systems are sensitive 

habitats, marine sanctuaries, national parks, aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism activities. Informed and responsible 

stewardship of natural marine and coastal resources is critical to the survival of the 

many threatened and endangered species living within these ecosystems. Coastal 

and marine ecosystems are intimately linked to climate. Biodiversity and ecosystem 

health are directly related to surrounding environmental conditions and are sensitive 

to atmospheric conditions. Both rapid and gradual climate changes and variations 

can strongly impact natural ecosystems and the economies that depend on this 

environment. In order to develop appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies, it is 

important to have information on how weather and climate trends affect ecosystems, 

local communities, regulatory requirements, and day-to-day operations.

Key Stakeholders NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) works with various groups, both as an information provider and as 

an applied research partner, to examine the effects of weather and climate on marine and coastal ecosystems. This type of 

information can help decision makers and planners in both public and private entities within this sector determine practical 

responses to climate change and variations. There are many different governmental and nongovernmental organizations, public and private groups and businesses, and individuals that can 

benefit from using pertinent climate and weather-related information. 

Some major groups include:

•	 International, federal, state, regional, and local governments

•	 Aquaculture and coastal agriculture businesses

•	 Government, commercial, and sport fisheries 

•	 Academia and other researchers

•	 Tourism groups and businesses

•	 Transportation departments and businesses

•	 Gas, oil, and renewable energy industries 

Sector Needs Climate information is often available only as raw observations or in the form of tables, graphs, or written summaries, which may be difficult for users who are not well-versed in climate science to fully interpret. 

To bridge this gap, NCDC is partnering with the marine and coastal ecosystems sector to translate climate 

data into accessible, useful, and accurate products; and to leverage NCDC’s climate expertise to better understand what the information means and how it can be used most effectively. 

Climate information can be used in a variety of ways. Some examples include:

•	 Using sea surface temperature data to determine the impact on the distribution, mobility, 

and health of many aquatic species. 

•	 Using sea-level rise and storm surge data to assess the exposure or inundation of sensitive 

coastal ecosystems.

•	 Using precipitation data over land to examine and analyze near-shore sediment deposition 

and changes in water chemistry, such as salinity. 

•	 Using climate data related to frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme climate events, 

such as hurricanes, to assess potential mitigation and adaptation strategies.

NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center

Sectoral Engagement Fact Sheet

Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
•	 Using long-term climate data to help identify and understand factors, such 

as warming ocean temperatures, that threaten the health of the coral reef 

ecosystem.

NCDC Data and Products There are many different types of useful climate information available. 

Some examples include: 

•	 Satellite-based Coral Bleaching Products, which include nighttime-only sea 

surface temperatures, sea surface temperature anomalies, regions of extreme 

warm water that can be harmful to reefs (called hotspots), and degree heating 

weeks, which indicate the thermal stress experienced by coral reefs.

•	 Marine observations made at fixed surface locations, both unmoving and drifting buoys, and on ships.

•	 Sea ice chart information and database, which provides sea ice extent.

•	 The Global Historical Climate Network, which contains historical temperature, 

precipitation, and pressure data for thousands of land stations around the world.

•	 CD-ROM/DVDs, such as the Integrated Surface Data database, which contains 

climate information for about 10,000 weather stations, with some dating as far 

back as 1901.

•	 Global tropical cyclone positions and intensities in the International Best Track 

Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) tropical cyclone database.

•	 Oceanic data satellite observations, which provide data on sea surface winds, 

sea surface temperatures, wave heights, ocean color, internal waves, sea ice 

features, and ocean topography.

Collaboration between climate scientists and the marine and coastal ecosystems community is essential in helping to build the necessary bridges that will 

transform climate science into information that is relevant and credible. Ongoing 

communication is important to ensure that the information NCDC provides is 

appropriate and applicable to coastal and 

marine ecosystems sector needs. As climate 

changes in the years ahead and the effects 

become more noticeable, new information 

needs will emerge. NCDC will work closely 

with this sector, attending trade meetings 

and sponsoring future workshops and 

conferences, in order to better understand, 

address, and anticipate these needs.

NOAA Satellite and Information Service

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)

National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)

U.S. Department of Commerce

Additional details about available NOAA products and the economic benefits of these products are provided at:

http://www.economics.noaa.gov

For further information on obtaining NCDC climate services and products related to marine and coastal ecosystems 

please contact:

Agriculture ▪ Civil Infrastructure ▪ Coastal Hazards ▪ Energy ▪ Health ▪ Insurance

Litigation ▪ MARINE AND COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS ▪ National Security ▪ Tourism ▪ Transportation ▪ Water Resources

Customer Services Branch

NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center

151 Patton Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801-5001 U.S.A. 

828-271-4800 • TDD 828-271-4010 

Fax 828-271-4876

E-mail: ncdc.orders@noaa.gov

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov

June 2010