The Environmental Cooperative Science Center (Award# NA11SEC4810001) was established in 2001 as part of NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program to address ecological and coastal management issues at specific National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) and National Marine Sanctuaries. When viewed collectively, ECSC activities will impact much of the southeastern coastal regions of the United Sates including the Mississippi, Florida and Texas Gulf coasts. These sites were selected because of the critical nature of their coastal ecosystems; their proximity to ECSC member institutions; and because they presented ideal opportunities to expand existing research, education, and outreach activities involving member institutions.