The North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (NAC-CESU), hosted by the University of Rhode Island, is a vital hub for advancing research, technical assistance, and education to address coastal resource management challenges. The Coastal Institute (CI) plays a central role, with its director also serving as the NAC-CESU director.
What is the NAC-CESU?
The NAC-CESU is one of 17 Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units across the United States, established to enhance collaboration between federal agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit research organizations. Since its founding in 1999, the NAC-CESU has expanded to include:
- 9 Federal Agency Partners including NPS, USGS, USFWS, and EPA.
- 1 Tribal Partner contributing critical perspectives to ecosystem management.
- 28 Non-Federal Partners, including universities and research organizations from across the Northeast.
These partnerships provide a scientific foundation for federal agencies to tackle coastal management challenges, from climate adaptation to habitat conservation.
Benefits to URI
As the host of the NAC-CESU, URI and the Coastal Institute benefit directly from the presence of federal scientists, such as those from the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who are duty-stationed at URI. This collaboration offers:
- Funding Opportunities: Access to requests for proposals focused on climate adaptation and coastal planning.
- Student Development: Experiential opportunities for URI graduate students, including pathways to careers with federal agencies like USGS, USFWS, NPS, and EPA.
- Faculty Collaboration: Enhanced research opportunities for URI faculty to work alongside federal scientists on critical ecosystem studies.
Fostering Collaboration and Climate Resilience
The NAC-CESU aligns its research priorities with the Coastal Institute’s mission to address pressing coastal and climate challenges. By fostering partnerships and facilitating interdisciplinary research, the NAC-CESU supports solutions that benefit both the environment and society.
Learn More
Explore the work of the NAC-CESU and its impact on coastal resource management: Visit the website