Coastal Zone JRT
Few people in Scotland live more than a few kilometers from the coastal zone and the cultural and economic vitality of the nation depends of the health of the coastal region. The coastal zone provides a range of renewable resources, ecosystem services and development opportunities with great potential to sustain the expansion and diversification of the Scottish economy. However, global change, encompassing sea-level rise and increasing storm frequency, will intensify the threat to coastal zones; and there is increasing public pressure for an integrated response to this societal threat. The challenge is imminent and recognised by the ongoing development of national (Marine Bill) and international (EU Marine Policy) initiatives with strong implications for the management of the coastal zone.
The complexity of the coastal region requires that many disciplines be brought together to provide a framework under which the challenge of coastal development and sustainable use can be met. This JRT configures these disciplines identifying and further developing national strengths in marine and coastal biology, coastal erosion and sediment transport, economics, coastal engineering, climatic change, conservation, and socio-economic research.
The strategic goal of this JRT is to establish in Scotland a sustainable framework for research, communication, dissemination and policy development integrated under the holistic concept of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). The JRT will reinforce excellence for ICZM and marine research in Scotland; provide research to support the assessment of the value of ecosystem services in coastal and estuarine zones; assess ecosystem health, flood and erosion risk, and the socio-economic status of the Scottish coastal zone; test and disseminate "best practice" for system monitoring and early warning of natural and anthropogenic stress; and advise on a framework for an integrated approach for European coastal managers.
Figure: The Coastal Zone research concept. The theme will organise the research to create a coherent linkage from the study of the habitats and their occupants through ecosystem function to ecosystem service and valuation. The team members are each well suited to addressing aspects of this "chain of research" and will learn new skills by cooperation with adjacent links.
Prof. David Paterson, Chair (University of St Andrews) Dr Emma Defew (University of St Andrews) Prof. Nick Hanley (University of Stirling) Dr Martin Solan (University of Aberdeen) Dr Beth Scott (University of Aberdeen) Dr Kenny Black (SAMS)
Dr Emma Defew, University of St Andrews