Membership and International Committee Program

Coastal ecosystems are especially vulnerable to global environmental changes from human population growth and associated development. These international perturbations are increasing at an alarming rate and their remediation requires science-based, integrated coastal management and planning. Fortunately, global knowledge, expertise and communication continue to increase at exponential rates, and by increasing international cooperation, we can formulate integrated, worldwide solutions to these problems. In addition, these efforts would promote multidisciplinary, basic coastal and estuarine research involving diverse landscapes, different climate zones, and diverse biota.

The Coasts and Estuaries Research Federation (CERF) recognizes the need to foster international cooperation among it members to advance the understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal systems worldwide. Our mission is to: promote research in estuarine and coastal ecosystems; support education of scientists, decision-makers, and the public; and facilitate communication among these groups.

In accord with this global mission, the Federation is assessing its existing international activities to enhance current relationships and further develop the scope of our international programs. The Federation Board has established a membership and international (MAIN) committee to pursue these goals.

The MAIN committee requests your help to:

1. extend invitations to scientists, educators and decision makers outside of the US and Canada to join CERF and support our international activities;
2. recognize existing international programs that fall within our mission and that could be enhanced by additional networking;
3. develop recommendations for better use of internet and electronic distribution, management, analysis, and publication of data; and
4. elucidate mechanisms for a better global exchange of ideas, knowledge, and expertise.