More than one-half the nation's population now lives and works within 50 miles of the coastline, but coastal areas account for only 11 percent of the nation's land area.

In recent years, 40 percent of new commercial development and 46 percent of new residential development happened near the coast.

An acre of coastal waters or wetlands can produce more food than the best mid-western farm land.

Natural hazards, such as storms, along the coast can turn into natural disasters if people ignore the dangers or aren't prepared.

Coastal development affects everyone, not just people living near or using the oceans. Most of the nation's seafood originates in or is harvested from coastal waters. Poorly planned development can hurt fishing and related industries, and ultimately, our economy. Careful coastal development helps fishing and shipping industries, and protects the environment for people and wildlife.

More than one-quarter million households are located in high-hazard coastal zones. To avoid harming to the environment or endangering people, structures such as houses, stores and hotels must be built in appropriate locations and of suitable construction to withstand harsh coastal weather. When coastal homes and businesses are lost to storms and erosion, insurance claims can increase, resulting in increased insurance costs and additional government aid.

Coastal areas are limited; their environmental and economic health must be balanced with human demands such as housing, shipping, recreation, fishing and tourism. Good planning and development helps protect marine life and wildlife, and helps ensure that residents, vacationers and other visitors will have access to beaches and safe, clean coastal recreation areas.

The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees the Coastal Zone Management program, which helps state governments develop coordinated, comprehensive coastal management plans. These plans focus on issues and problems most important to the states, but are part of a national effort to keep all coastal areas safe, productive, clean and enjoyable.

NOAA manages 12 protected coastal National Marine Sanctuaries around the nation, and works with states to safeguard and study 22 estuarine research reserves where scientists, students and the public learn about sensitive coastal environments and wildlife.

NOAA's Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center issues warnings and forecasts for all tropical storms and hurricanes.

Get educated and share your knowledge!

Always use the proper walkways, boardwalks, or access paths to get to the beach. Don't cut through marshes, dunes, wildlife areas or private property.

Get involved with your state or local coastal planning process, and help enforce coastal planning regulations.

When living in or visiting coastal areas, be aware of severe weather warnings and evacuation routes, especially during hurricane season.

If you own property near the ocean, make sure all structures meet building codes, and don't let your property be a source of pollution.

Year of the Ocean Information Line: 1-888-4YOTO98

Year of the Ocean Website: www.yoto.com

National Hurricane Center Website: www.nhc.noaa.gov

NOAA Weather Radio Website: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr

NOAA Office of Coastal Resource Management
1305 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Website: www.nos.noaa.gov/ocrm/

NOAA National Sea Grant College Program
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Website: www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/

Contact your state department of parks, environment or natural resources and ask for the coastal management office.