Organization Mission
Founded in 1970, the Coastal States Organization represents the Governors of the thirty-five coastal States, Territories, and Commonwealths on coastal, Great Lakes, and ocean affairs. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, CSO helps member states maintain their leadership role in the development and implementation of national coastal and ocean policy. The operating budget of the Organization is primarily derived from dues paid by the member states.
For more than 50 years, CSO has worked at the nexus of coastal science research, policy and social science research, outreach, and decision-making. We strive to provide coastal states with tools to inform coastal management and to improve their capacity to understand, plan for, and respond to changing coasts now and into the future. Specifically, CSO’s strategic goals are:
Advancing Policy to Strengthen Coastal Zone Management. CSO helps states and territories to maintain their leadership role in the development and implementation of national coastal and ocean policy. We work to shape federal legislation and regulations and advocate for increased funding for coastal and ocean programs and to eliminate regulatory and procedural impediments to Coastal Zone Management Programs’ (CZMPs) functioning. CSO connects CZMPs with decision-makers in DC and ensures their views and concerns are represented.
Building Knowledge through Applied Science and Research. CSO works with natural and social science partners to meet the research, data, and technical assistance needs of coastal states, territories, and communities. Our applied science and research investigates new and emerging scientific and social science knowledge on key coastal management challenges, creates tools that can be applied in other coastal regions, catalyzes additional investment and research into critical areas of coastal adaptation and resilience, and cultivates a narrative around the importance of proactively managing our coastlines.
Facilitating Peer-to-Peer Learning. CSO works with natural and social science partners to meet the research, data, and technical assistance needs of coastal states, territories, and communities. Our applied science and research investigates new and emerging, scientific and social science knowledge on key coastal management challenges, creates tools that can be applied in other coastal regions, catalyzes additional investment and research into critical areas of coastal adaptation and resilience, and cultivates a narrative around the importance of proactively managing our coastlines.
Program Focus Areas
Disaster Relief & Response
Environment & Conservation
Grant-Making
Other Needs from This Organization
