Meteorologists must strive to provide information relevant to ecologists. Often, appropriate information from models is not made available because meteorologists focus on summary information, while ecologists are interested in more details. Ecologists need better regional-scale projections, supported by better computing capabilities and validation of projections. Meteorologists should investigate ensemble forecasting techniques for regional projections of natural variability as a substitute for raw computing power. Ecosystem response to long-term change as well as episodic events should be characterized.
Mangroves can adapt to slow sea level rise, for example.
Feedbacks between coastal ecosystems and climate must be considered and both direct and indirect impacts examined. Coastal and island ecosystems most valued by society should be identified and requirements for their conservation described. In particular, it will be important to integrate U.S. work with international partners and develop capabilities to conduct assessments at comparable levels of confidence and detail. Information is needed on how the hydrologic cycle affects ecologically relevant processes such as nutrient loading to the coastal zone. There should be a focus on information on the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to climate change and not just on descriptions of the change, itself.