Strategy: Guiding Coastal and Marine Resource Management

The Coastal Special Interest Group (Coastal SIG) is a sub-group of the regional government special interest group network that brings together regional and unitary councils to facilitate the sharing of expertise and knowledge.

Together regional and unitary councils manage 15,000 km of coastline and approximately 168,000 km² of Territorial Sea including coastal environment that encompasses the coastal marine area and the land-sea interface.

Managing the effects of activities, use, and development on coastal systems and resources is a costly task for councils. The Coastal SIG plays an important role in providing a robust and consistent knowledge base for the benefit of the environment and communities.

The purpose of this strategy document is to identify and facilitate alignment of research and monitoring needs across the regional sector and with central government. It will inform science providers in key areas where advancement is necessary. Progress will enable and enhance the sustainable management of the coastal environment.