Southern University's Center for Coastal Zone Assessment and Remote Sensing (CCZARS) was designated in 2003 as a National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Group 3 HBCU University Research Center (URC).  CCZARS supports the Earth Science Applications at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) under program NRA 02-OEOP-01. This project conducts research in areas pertinent to the SSC's mission.  The CCZARS provides among other things:
 

• Remote Sensing Applications and Training

• GIS/GPS data collection and warehousing

• Coastal Education Outreach Program

• Coastal and Marine Fisheries Resource Evaluation

• Undergraduate and Graduate Research Experiences

The CCZARS further assists coastal states as they continue to address the initiatives set forth in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act [P.L. 101-646 (1990)] and the Coastal Impact Assistance Program, as well as issues addressed in possible future legislative actions such as the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA).  The CCZARS is also assisting NASA and other federal agencies in addressing the initiatives set forth in other legislative mandates such as the Coastal Zone Management Act, 1972, the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Sustainable Fisheries Act/Magnuson-Stevensˇ¦ Fisheries Management and Conservation Act (SFA/MS-FCMA), the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990 (CBIA), the Clean Water Act (Sections 319 & 404), the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), the Farm Bill, the Conservation and Endangered Species Act, Federal Noxious Weed Act, National Environmental Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Act.  The CCZARS is engaging the participation of other state and federal institutions and programs.  The NASA Stennis ESAD has been requested to serve as the roving lead in the operations of the CCZARS.  The major responsibilities of the roving lead are to oversee the research conducted by each research thrust area to ensure the alignment of all proposed activities.  Each of the other participating entities is enlisted as a co-lead for one of the four major research thrust areas.  That participation is described as follows:
 

ü  Research Thrust Area One:  Fisheries Habitat Assessment - The CCZARS conducts studies that assist in the assessment of the wetlands, and other environmental habitats of the Gulf of Mexico that are essential to the development and healthy maintenance of its fisheries.  This research also provides an early detection system of the declination of habitat conditions prior to their loss to enable better, more successful management of the Gulf of Mexicoˇ¦s environmental habitat.

ü Research Thrust Area Two:  Coastal Change - The CCZARS conducts remote sensing, and spatial and temporal studies/assessments that provide information regarding the Gulf of Mexicoˇ¦s coastal zone habitat changes, water quality, vegetation distribution and composition and wildlife habitat composition.  The CCZARS also performs studies to determine the Gulf of Mexicoˇ¦s assets at risk and damage estimation, as well as monitor the coastal change in the Gulf of Mexico region as it occurs.  Multispectral scanner data are used to determine the affect of saltwater intrusion in the estuarine areas as well as the effect of wetlands dredging and/or damage/loss on the growth of seagrass in the Gulf of Mexico.  Storm Surge Modeling is applied as a tool to assess the problem of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.

ü  Research Thrust Area Three:  Land Use/Land Cover Change - The CCZARS conducts remote sensing, spatial and temporal studies/assessments, and topographic and land use/land cover mapping of coastal zones.   Chlorophyll sensors are also incorporated to assess vegetation health in coastal zones.  The information provided in the form of land loss maps, habitat change maps TMDL monitoring, surface maps, and early detection systems assists in the decrease of health risks from vector borne diseases, pollution and environmental degradation, improvement of water quality, ecological health and enhancement of flood management and forecasting capabilities for the Gulf of Mexico region.

ü  Research Thrust Area Four:  Urban Sprawl Affect on Environment - The CCZARS conducts analysis of how land cover/land use change dynamics associated with urban sprawl have impacted local/regional growth and environmental health.  The information provided through this analysis gives CCZARS the opportunity to assist local/regional/national governments in planning efforts to respond to and manage urban sprawl and in the development of more sustainable/habitable urban environments.  The CCZARS also applies remote sensing under the guidelines of Non-point source Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) to train municipal and/or local/regional officials.
 

Because the coast and wetlands of the State of Louisiana and throughout the United States' coastal regions are being depleted at alarming rates, we at SUBR feel that this project provides on-going, comprehensive studies and partnerships between research institutions, government and industry to effectively address this problem.  With a service institution such as the CCZARS in place, the Gulf of Mexico is aided in its struggle to obtain assistance in the preservation of its coastal wetlands, while maintaining a unique balance with commerce.  Continued research and monitoring will assist in better understanding the problem hypoxia poses to the Gulf of Mexico and its environment.  Through education, training and outreach, this project will also help support Health, Safety and Environmental issues in other coastal areas across the United States.