NOAA's new technologies will quickly and efficiently provide them with the critical information they need. Products and information provided by NOAA support a number of critical disciplines.
Tidal datums define legal boundaries in coastal areas.
Shoreline changes, particularly from erosion, influence development decisions and public works projects. Maps of beach slope help coastal managers and emergency planners determine the risk of coastal flooding. Real-time information on tides and currents helps hazardous materials response crews contain oil spills. No disaster response effort can be more effective than preventing an accident in the first place. It accounts for lost revenue from closing of shellfish beds, decreases in the size and productivity of fisheries, changes in fish market prices, and effects on seafood processors and other supporting businesses.