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Climate Change
Climate affects sea level, sea temperature, ocean currents, ocean structure, storm frequency and intensity, and levels of precipitation. Changes in climate can cause stress on coastal communities and ecosystems. Research suggests that climate change may lead to rising sea levels or changes in ocean salinity, which can alter geographical ranges of species. It may also lead to temperature shifts, coastal erosion, and increased sediment and pollutant delivery to sensitive ecosystems.
CCMA assesses the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems through various mechanisms. One is remote sensing, e.g., using satellite imagery provided by NASA and data from NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service to examine the conditions of an area. Other projects include habitat mapping, particularly in coral reef environments. These maps will help determine a habitat's baseline conditions and assess changes over time.