The outer banks of NC are some of the most vulnerable coastal areas in North America. Barrier islands will be the first to experience serious impacts from sea level rise. This is not a future risk. Structures are at the edge today.

I really enjoyed chairing the plenary session and panel discussion on Cities at the Edge at the ISSRM Conference. . Easily one of the best science conferences I have attended. Great discussions throughout the week with numerous students and young professors in attendance. The hospitality in Charleston SC was amazing. 

Almost every marine biology and oceanography textbook looks at the water column as a chemistry issue rather than a critical habitat issue. Integration of those two perspectives is long overdue in coastal and ocean science and management. Clean water = healthy ocean.