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intergovernmental cooperative coastal science and management by 

 providing near real-time high resolution satellite data to 

 federal, state and local resource managers and scientists. 



Although NOAA presently supports R&D and operational activities 

 that provide some level of understanding and forecast skill, an 

 integrated system of high-resolution observational and modeling 

 technologies to address coastal weather and ocean processes is 

 lacking. One of the visions for 2005 is the development of a 

 Coastal Forecast System which will provide environmental data and 

 forecasts to meet NOAA's responsibilities for protection of life 

 and property; stewardship of coastal resources; protection and 

 restoration of environmental quality; and strengthening of U.S. 

 coastal economies. Depending on resources, improvements in 

 operational observations and predictions based on existing 

 technologies can be introduced immediately to upgrade national 

 capabilities, including expansion of the national buoy and 

 automated coastal observing network and integration of 

 meteorological and oceanographic measurement systems. 



Through a continuing process of research and development the 

 Coastal Forecast System will incorporate new technologies, 

 providing greatly expanded and improved forecast services in a 

 manner analogous to the National Weather Service modernization. 

 As part of that modernization, 42 of the 116 Doppler weather 

 surveillance radars being installed across the country will be 



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