Showing papers in "Marine Technology Society Journal in 2006"

Social Vulnerabilities and Hurricane Katrina: An Unnatural Disaster in New Orleans

Abstract: Studies have been done to show how social structures and processes that place at risk specific segments of human populations, as well as human populations in general, can create a disaster when a hurricane or other natural hazard strikes. The authors describe Hurricane Katrina and its impact, and how the stage was set for disaster through New Orleans' political and economic history and land development patterns. The authors use past research to analyze the extent to which risk factors such as tenancy, gender, disability, age, minority status, and poverty were present in the pre-Katrina population of New Orleans and how they were related to citizen vulnerability. Influence of social vulnerability on outcomes of recovery, storm impacts, evacuation, preparation, mitigation and other Hurricane Katrina stages are discussed.The authors conclude that until social justice and inequality are addressed, communities cannot be disaster resilient.

Fishing Techniques to Reduce the Bycatch of Threatened Marine Animals

Abstract: Methodology We attempted to document all available information on fishing techniques that have been used to reduce non-target wildlife species bycatch in world fisheries. Information on bycatch reduction methods is highly diffuse and for this review we consulted various sources including journal articles, unpublished government reports, and experts in the field. A number of reviews have examined bycatch reduction for particular fisheries (e.g., Broadhurst, 2000; Hall, 1995) or for wildlife groups within particular fisheries (e.g., Gilman et al., 2005), but the scope of this study is all commercial fishing methods and multiple wildlife groups. The decision to pursue a more comprehensive treatment was motivated by an interest in identifying bycatch reduction approaches that might find application in more than one fishing method, and to better appreciate the potential impacts on species or wildlife groups apart from the one targeted. Excluded from consideration were recreational fishing, target species bycatch (i.e., juvenile fish), and strategies for mitigating the consequences of ghost fishing, a serious and widespread form of bycatch in which fishing gear can continue to catch and kill animals after it has been lost, discarded, or abandoned by fishers. Depredation, or the predation of fishing bait or catch by non-target species, was considered in this review. This meant that some techniques mainly used in aquaculture operations became part of the final list. Generally, in categorizing bycatch reduction approaches the tendency was to be inclusive. For example, Turtle Excluder Devices and Sea Lion Excluder Devices were combined as one approach, under “excluders”, because they fundamentally work the same way. Both existing and proposed bycatch mitigation techniques were considered, and organized according to whether they represented an approach (1) intended to avert contact with a fishing operation and gear altogether, (2) intended to facilitate escape from temporary capture, or (3) that required release post-capture. For each technique we identified the fishing method (gillnet, surrounding net, trap/ pot, trawl, dredge, and hook-and-line) in which it was or could be used, and identified studies undertaken to evaluate its efficacy for various wildlife groups. The studies compiled consisted mainly of ones that directly reported on a scientific field trial as opposed to papers summarizing general findings or synthesizing responses from fishers. Occasionally, however, reports of lab studies or third-party papers reporting on original field research were included. Wildlife group classifications were selected somewhat arbitrarily and represent broad categories (sea birds, for example) in order to keep this review at a manageable scale. Certainly the number of categories could be M Introduction illions of dollars are spent each year in the research and development of fishing techniques to reduce unintended injuries and fatalities to non-target marine species that forms a major component of “bycatch.” The vast majority of this investment in conservation occurs in economically developed countries (principally the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe) although the problem is global in scale. Taken as a whole, bycatch is one of the major threats to the survival of many endangered marine populations and species. This paper describes both proposed and existing fishing techniques for reducing nontarget species bycatch, and reviews their focus across different fisheries and wildlife groups. The intent of this inventory was to gain a better understanding of the range of techniques available and to highlight priorities for research and development. The bycatch reduction methods summarized in this paper are all intended to accommodate continued fishing of target species. Other strategies that can lead to lowered bycatch levels include fishing area closures, temporal closures, reductions in fishing effort, and cessation of fishing altogether. In some cases, applying one or more of these other measures may represent a better strategy for solving a particular bycatch challenge than altering fishing methods, though they often face resistance from the fishing industry.

Pelagic Longline Fishing Gear: A Brief History and Review of Research Efforts to Improve Selectivity

Abstract: Pelagic longline gear had several independent evolutions, but the most widespread form appears to have been originally developed by the Japanese as early as the mid-19th century. Technological developments such as polyamide monofilament line and modern fishing vessel construction have resulted in the evolution and expansion of this gear type as the primary worldwide method of commercially harvesting large pelagic fishes such as broadbill swordfish and tunas. Although the adaptability of the gear through changes in materials, lengths, and deployment strategies has resulted in generally high selectivity for many target species, the bycatch of protected species by pelagic longlines is considered a global problem in the conservation effort to sustain populations of sea turtles, sea birds, and some istiophorid billfishes (sailfishes; spearfishes; marlins). Recent research on the modification of pelagic longline fishing strategies uses this inherent adaptability of the gear to avoid or reduce the mortality of bycatch species. This is an alternative to the traditional management strategy of closed areas, which fishermen view as less effective and generally more restrictive (limiting) with respect to target catches. This work with academic partners and commercial fishermen has resulted in the development of bycatch reduction strategies which include safe handling and release gear and protocols, use of circle hooks in place of traditional J-style hooks, restrictions on gangion and mainline lengths, and corrodible hooks. Brief History of Pelagic Longline Gear he most widespread form of pelagic longline gear appears to have been originally developed by the Japanese. Nakamura (1951) reported that local tradition in the Izu region of Japan claims the gear was originated by an individual named Fujii in the Kaei Era (18481853) and that similar gear was in use by the inhabitants of the Bôsô area (Chiba Prefecture) around the same general time period. However, Shapiro (1950) reported that the gear was imported from the Wakayama Prefecture almost 100 years earlier and developed further by the fishermen of Mera, a fishing village near the entrance of Tokyo Bay. The development of the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery began in 1917 when a Japanese fisherman named Imose began using this gear to fish the waters off the northwest Waianae coast of Oahu (June, 1950). Longline use was documented in the Mediterranean at the beginning of the twentieth century (Stiles, 2004). An early form of pelagic longline in the western North Atlantic Ocean was developed by New England fishermen to target bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus on Stellwagen Bank in the mid-1940s after combining keg-line swordfish harpoon gear and halibut line-trawl (bottom longline) gear (Wilson, 1960). A form of pelagic longline gear which used heavy braided synthetic line floated just under the surface of the water was also developed in Norway in the late 1960s for a short-lived fishery that targeted porbeagle shark Lamna nasus (Gibson, 1998). It is also worth noting that small vessels using a very similar gear were also fishing at night for swordfish off the coast of Cuba during this period (Sainsbury, 1996). It is likely that there were other developments of this gear type in local fisheries throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and Mediterranean Sea. Improvements in fishing vessels, including the introduction of the internal combustion engine in the early 1900s, resulted in an expansion of the fishing grounds, enabling the Japanese to fish the Nojimasaki fishing grounds for albacore in the central Pacific by the early years of the Shôwa Era (circa 1926). The Japanese fleet had an operating radius of approximately 2000 miles eastward to the longitude of Midway Island (approximately 180° E) prior to World War II, although the vast majority of those vessels landed at their homeports in mainland Japan (Shapiro, 1950). Global expansion of longline fisheries began in the 1950s and 1960s, spreading throughout the Atlantic (North and South) and Mediterranean. This expansion was largely driven initially by the Japanese tuna market and supported by improved freezing technology and international transportation. Subsequently, liberalized trade regulations and emerging markets for swordfish and other species (e.g., shark fins for China) encouraged additional fleet expansion. Multi-filament nylon mainlines still dominate the international fishery, but the development of single-strand monofilament line in the late 1970s and the combination of baited hooks with chemical light sticks resulted in the expansion of the pelagic longlines as the primary worldwide method of commercially harvesting large pelagic fishes. The majority of longline fishing effort occurs in the Pacific Ocean, while the remaining effort is in the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean (Lewison et al.,

Vulnerability to Inundation and Climate Change Impacts in California: Coastal Managers' Attitudes and Perceptions

Abstract: Coastal California has witnessed persistent sea-level rise (10-20 cm) along its southern and central open ocean coastal sections and in San Francisco Bay over the past century. This paper aims to understand the perceptions of local coastal managers in California of current inundation-related risks, the added risks from climate change, and vulnerability to the growing coastal problems. We also explore the extent to which coastal managers are beginning to think about and tackle these increasing management challenges. Survey results presented here suggest that inundation already creates critical management challenges in California, but other, non-inundation-related coastal problems also vie for managers’ attention. Despite high awareness of global warming and moderately good understanding of potential impacts of climate change on coastal areas, currently pressing issues and limited staff time and resources constrain their ability to begin dealing with the growing risks from sea-level rise. The sobering conclusion is that California is inadequately preparing for the impacts of climate change on coastal areas at this time. Local government will need substantial support from state and federal agencies if the level of preparedness for climate change and other inundation-related risks is to be elevated in the future.

Human Error Assessment and Management in Port Operations using Fuzzy AHP

Abstract: This study proposes a new method of human error assessment and management using fuzzy set theory and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The paper begins with a brief discussion of human reliability assessment (HRA) before presenting the new method. In assessing the human error risk using the proposed method, the steps in each mission are compared to each other in terms of the likelihood, failure consequence probability, and severity criteria to determine the relative importance and overall risk priority. The method is demonstrated using a test case of an oil cargo handling process in port. The method appears to be effective for evaluating the effectiveness of the risk control options identified and avoids some of the drawbacks of traditional HRA techniques.

Using Red Light with Fixed-site Video Cameras to Study the Behavior of the Spiny Lobster, Panulirus argus, and Associated Animals at Night and Inside Their Shelters

Abstract: Fixed-site video cameras can be a powerful tool for studying marine animals in the sea without disturbing their behavior. Artificial light is required to use these cameras at night or in dark places such as inside animal dens. Red light is theoretically the best choice because the eyes of many marine animals are relatively insensitive to light above 600 nm wavelength, red light penetrates water much further than infrared, and many video cameras are highly sensitive to red light. This study found that video and red light can be used at night in the sea to study the behavior of spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, without significant effects. The shelter occupancy rate of tethered lobsters was similar in continuous red light as in the dark and red light did not attract or repel free-living lobsters. Red light did attract a small additional number of fish which were already nearby the lobster shelters and did not appear to disturb the lobsters. Loss of P. argus from octopus predation was similar in red light as in the dark. Six species of predators (two triggerfishes, an octopus, two snappers, and a moray eel) were recorded on videotape killing lobsters at shelters in the sea. Predation usually occurred outside the shelters. Other species scavenged on the lobster remains after they were killed. A variety of animals frequently cohabited with lobsters inside shelters for a few minutes to several days. The interactions of these animals with the lobsters rarely involved any strong aggression or defensive behavior. study, and can be used at depths, in small spaces (e.g., inside animal dens), and at times (e.g., during storms) which would be prohibitive for divers. A complete video system, including multiple cameras, fixed-site camera mounts, time-lapse video recorder and multiplexer, provides a permanent record which can be repeatedly reviewed at various speeds and assessed by several independent viewers. It also allows for simultaneous observations and recordings from cameras placed at different locations (e.g., experimental and control sites, and/or inside and outside of a shelter). As

Integrating Precision Relatice Positioning Into JASON/MEDEA ROV Operations

Abstract: Advances in navigation continue to add precision and robustness to undersea operations. Two challenges limit navigation of the JASON/MEDEA two-vehicle ROV system: acoustic noise from JASON’s hydraulic systems and lack of a direct relative position measurement between the two vehicles. This paper describes successful integration of the SHARPS ranging system—enabling precise relative positioning that is robust with respect to acoustic noise. We discuss four aspects of the installation: the capabilities of SHARPS as installed on the ROVs, the estimation theory predicted performance of the system design, the proof-of-concept navigation results from field deployments, and the operational utility of the SHARPS capability. The SHARPS installation integrates an important capability into the ROV system, enhancing the data product for science while adding safety and flexibility to the at-sea operations. hangs below the dynamically positioned (DP) surface ship via an armored cable carrying fiber-optic communications and electric power. The vehicle’s large, concentrated mass decouples the ROV, JASON, from the surface ship’s motion, keeping the armored cable vertical and reducing the chance of snap-loading from surface heave. A 35 m neutrally buoyant tether connects the two vehicles, extending the communication and electric power to JASON. Operators move the ship to position MEDEA vertically over-top of JASON, maintaining visual contact using a down-looking low-light camera on MEDEA and adjusting the vertical separation between the two vehicles. During lowerings lasting as long as 72 hours, JASON samples and surveys the seafloor at depths of up to 6,500 m. One of the most important data products of this work is the record of navigation estimates. These records allow scientists to systematically and quantitatively explore the seafloor. Because of the JASON/MEDEA two-body configuration, short baseline (SBL) relative positioning improves the navigation solution, allowing safer, more flexible operation. Operators navigate the JASON/MEDEA ROV system using a combination of long baseline (LBL) positioning and Doppler velocity log (DVL) dead-reckoning. Both JASON and MEDEA have LBL receivers, but only JASON has a DVL to measure velocity relative to the seafloor. There are two challenges with the current navigation solution. First, LBL reception at JASON’s receiver is inconsistent or non-existent due to acoustic noise and limited line-of-sight. JASON’s hydraulic motors power much of the on-board utilities: the two manipulators, tool basket, suction pumps, etc. The associated acoustic

Improving Tsunami Forecast Skill Using Deep Ocean Observations

Abstract: Along most of the world's oceanic coasts, lives and property face an ever-present threat from tsunamis. Since more than 230,000 people were killed by the 2004 tsunami in Sumatra, the global community has been compelled to be more proactive in developing tsunami impact reduction methodologies. The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, a joint federal/state partnership, has been used in the United States since 1997 to reduce United States' coastline tsunami hazards. A roadmap and toolset to create more local and distant tsunami resilient communities have been created by the program integrating hazard assessment, mitigation activities, and warning guidance. Tools to enable more tsunami resilient communities include design guidance, educational programs, and forecasting. The authors focus on technology requirements for tsunami forecasting that is both accurate and reliable.

Land Use Planning and Its Potential to Reduce Hazard Vulnerability: Current Practices and Future Possibilities

Abstract: The environmental, economic, and social impacts of recent hurricanes have demonstrated increased vulnerability to natural hazards such as severe coastal storms because of the concentration of infrastructure and people along the nation's coastline. Public officials' and planners' attempts to use land development-based approaches to increase resilience have been challenged by stakeholder interests and competing policy objectives. The authors discuss primary land use tools for coastal development management and typical hazard mitigation approaches, and address an interdisciplinary approach to needed sustainable coastal development patterns for advancing resiliency.

A Range-Gated Laser System for Ocean Floor Imaging

Abstract: Laser au CuCl, impulsions de 20 ns, frequence de repetition de 10 a 20 kHz, operant a haut rendement (1%) dans le bleu-vert. Un systeme imagier a balayage, et a portes d'echantillonnage, base sur ce laser, peut fonctionner avec une puissance a l'entree de quelques centaines de W, fournissant une image numerique de 100 m de large du fond marin, depuis une hauteur de 50 m. Possibilites de proceder a des mesures bathymetriques et de distribution de la matiere en suspension

A Novel Acoustic Dissolved Oxygen Transmitter for Fish Telemetry

Abstract: The multiple responses of fishes to changes in dissolved oxygen saturations have been studied widely in the laboratory. In contrast, only a few studies have included field observa- tions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a novel acoustic dissolved oxygen transmitter for field biotelemetry. The results demonstrated that the output of the transmitter was unaffected by three different temperatures (10 to 30°C) and described the dissolved oxygen saturation with high accuracy (r 2 > 0.99) over the entire range of 0 to 191% saturation. The response time (≥ 90% of end value) of the transmitter was 12 s both in terms of decreasing (100 to 0%) and increasing (0 to 100%) oxygen saturations. When externally attached to fishes, the present findings support the use of the transmitter for reliable dissolved oxygen measurements on individuals living in environments that may change both temporally and spatially with regard to ambient temperature and dissolved oxygen saturation.

Comparative Performance of Current-generation Geolocating Archival Tags

Abstract: The performances of the current-generation Lotek Wireless LTD2310 and the Wildlife Computers Mk9 geolocating archival tags were compared. The depth, temperature, and light level sensors of 15 LTD2310 and 15 Mk9 archival tags were evaluated through hydrocasts of these, along with a calibrated Sea-Bird SBE39 temperature and depth probe, to nearly 500 m. Three experiments were conducted; each included five archival tags of each type simultaneously deployed in hydrocasts, along with the SBE39 probe. In all three experiments, the average differences between depth sensors on the Mk9 archival tags and the SBE39 were significantly greater than those between the LTD2310 archival tags and the probe depths for the hydrocast stops at about 500 m, 300 m, and 200 m. The standard errors about the average depth values for those hydrocast stops in Experiments 1 and 2, were greater for the LTD2310 tags, but for Experiment 3 the standard errors were greater for the Mk9 tags. The average differences between the LTD2310 and Mk9 archival tag temperatures measured by their stalk sensors and the SBE39 probe temperatures were similar in all three experiments over a temperature range of from about 9° to 27° C. The standard errors about the average temperature values were similar in all three experiments. The temperatures recorded by the Mk9 archival tag body temperature sensors lagged significantly, while those of the LTD2310 sensors were close to the temperatures recorded by the SBE39 probe during descents and ascents. The standard errors about the average tag body temperature values in all three experiments are greater for the Mk9 tags. Following the stabilization of light sensors at maximum depths (about 500 m) and darkness, during the three hydrocast ascents the 15 LTD2310 and 15 Mk9 archival tag light sensors indicated an average sensitivity to light at 440 m and 380 m, respectively. Two separate experiments conducted with archival tags implanted in the peritoneal cavity of tunas provided estimates of the accuracy and precision of geolocation based on ambient light level data. The computed distances between the average estimated geolocations, from three

The need for sustained and integrated high-resolution mapping of dynamic coastal environments

Abstract: The evolution of the United States' coastal zone response to both human activities and natural processes is dynamic. Coastal resource and population protection requires understanding, in detail, the processes needed for change as well as the physical setting. Sustained coastal area mapping allows change to be documented and baseline conditions to be established, as well as future behavior to be predicted in conjunction with physical process models. Hyperspectral imagers and airborne lidars, as well as other recent mapping technology advances, allow rapid national scale land use information and high-resolution elevation data collection. Coastal hazard risk evaluation has critical dependence on these rich data sets. A fundamental storm surge model parameter in predicting flooding location, for example, is coastal elevation data, and a foundation in identifying the most vulnerable populations and resources is land use maps. A wealth of information for physical change process study, coastal resource and community management and protection, and coastal area hazard vulnerability determination, is available in a comprehensive national coastal mapping plan designed to take advantage of recent mapping technology progress and data distribution, management, and collection.

Applications of Underwater Photogrammetry

Abstract: : The reliability of a photogrammetric system is a function of the degree of constraints applied to the system. Mapping tests have been performed to investigate the relative importance of these constraints. Underwater mapping consists of five elements: (1) ground control, (2) photogrammetric equipment, (3) field techniques, (4) photogrammetric analyses, and (5) final presentation. Ground control was provided by a 160 foot square underwater net. A photogrammetric camera was improvised by calibrating a hand-held 70mm water corrected underwater camera, which was mounted to the wet submersible PEGASUS. Photogrammetric analyses were performed by assembling a radial line plot for a horizontal control solution and employing this horizontal control for a vertical bridge of three models. The result was an establishment of over 1200 additional horizontal points, a planimetric map of the entire area, a detailed, one inch, contoured map of the three models, and a photo-mosaic of the area.

Developing the IOOS for Improved Management and Mitigation of Coastal Inundation

Abstract: In 2000, the National Ocean Research Leadership Council established Ocean.US to improve operational capabilities by promoting needed research and development; designing and preparing strategic plans for United States' integrated ocean observing system (IOOS) improvement and implementation; and promoting strategic plan coordinated implementation. Improving hurricane, tropical storm, extra-tropical cyclone, nor'easter, and tsunami-induced coastal inundation prediction, management, and mitigation effect capabilities is one of the highest IOOS phased development priorities. High IOOS development priorities, based on user needs of long-term planners, post event re-builders, and real-time responders, include periodically assessing changes in coastal inundation impacts and susceptibility (risk and vulnerability) in a timely, accurate, and high resolution manner; and improving coastal inundation time-space extent forecast maps' accuracy and timeliness. The authors describe the operational modeling capability advancements and data requirements needed to address and achieve these objectives. In order for more effective collaboration to be enabled in operational modeling capabilities by operational and research communities for these goals to be met and for there to be improvement and expansion of support of all three user types' decision making, a key action must be community modeling approaches. Development of experiments, test beds, and ensemble modeling capabilities for improved predictive skills (e.g. Observing System Simulation Experiments) and model validation and coordinated development of modeling and observational capabilities should be included in community modeling activities.

A Community Approach to Improved Prediction and Characterization of Coastal Storm Hazards

Abstract: The authors discuss the value, illustrated through recent and ongoing project experiences and results, of using modeling, data analysis, and field measurements in a community approach to coastal storm hazard characterization (e.g. hurricane wave conditions and water levels). The Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force's (IPET's) recent work, commissioned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is one example. In response to Hurricane Katrina, the IPET was tasked with obtaining southeastern Louisiana hurricane protection system performance data. Another example is that the Corps of Engineers is leading efforts for designing projects to greatly reduce coastal Louisiana and Mississippi flooding consequences and likelihood. Such work is closely coordinated with efforts to update flood insurance rate maps for the affected region by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The authors discuss challenges in accurate wave and surge predictions, as well as lessons learned and findings. These include nearshore wave set-up and coupling into surge model treatment problems; shallow coastal area wind drag law specifications; and coastal and estuarine wind field inaccuracy. The authors discuss a new community-based research program of the Corps of Engineers addressing many of these issues, and select problem areas' early progress results. The authors present open-source community-based computer software development advantages for coastal storm surge and wave predictions, and current proprietary software over-reliance issues.

Sea Scallop Harvest Gear: Engineering for Sustainability

Abstract: The Atlantic sea scallop is the most important molluscan shellfish species commercially harvested in the United States. The species is sought for the large, white circular adductor muscle (the ‘meat’) that holds the two valves of the animal together. In North America, the ‘meat’ is generally the only part of the scallop that is landed and eaten, although the meat only accounts for about a third of the animal’s visceral weight. In 2004, U.S. landings of sea scallop meats totaled 29,374 metric tons. The value of the U.S. scallop harvest in 2004 ($321 million) was only exceeded by crabs ($447 million), shrimp ($425 million), and lobster ($344 million). Harvesting problems in the wild capture scallop fishery have a long history of being addressed with technical gear-related solutions. Recent advances include larger rings and twine tops, turtle chain mats, and changes to the drag frame. Management strategies and gear design must work together for sustainable fisheries. recognized: the Digby-type dredge (also called rock or tumbler drag) used primarily in inshore waters along the Gulf of Maine and Canadian coast, and the offshore or New Bedford-type dredge (originally called the airplane drag) used by virtually all sea scallop vessels fishing in waters deeper than 40 meters. Construction details of early versions of the New Bedford drag are given in Smolowitz and Serchuk (1988). The modern offshore New Bedford drag consists of a heavy steel bale welded to a rectangular frame. The bottom of the frame consists of a rectangular steel “cutting bar” which rests on steel-plated shoes. Attached to the top of the frame is a forward-angled pressure

Development of a Coastal Ocean Observing System for the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract: A regional coastal ocean observing system being developed under the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, a Global Ocean Observing System contribution, is the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS). A wide range of users will be provided with estuarine and marine system products, information, and data by GCOOS, which will be a sustained ocean observing system. GCOOS is being developed through the GCOOS Regional Association. GCOOS building activities include real-time physical data connection via the Internet from extant observing systems to the National Data Buoy Center, extant observing systems inventory development, and mechanism establishment and implementation for ongoing identification of regional need priority pilot projects, and stakeholder priorities and requirements. Identification of products and measurements emergency responders and managers need for better southeastern United States and Gulf of Mexico inundation and storm surge prediction and mitigation is being provided through an inundation and storm surge workshop. GCOOS enhancement funding from private and governmental sources is being sought. The authors argue that new federal resources for regional coastal ocean observing systems must be committed for GCOOS to evolve to its full potential.

A New Architecture for Coastal Inundation and Flood Warning Prediction

Abstract: River water, harbor, estuary, marine atmosphere, and coastal ocean systems make up a physically coupled system. Over the past half century, the economic and personal effects of coastal storms, which have always heavily impacted such systems, have worsened due to business and personal merchandise, infrastructure, and population density increases. Forecasting impending events with more timeliness and accuracy has become an increasing need. Traditionally, coastal and inland area inundation and flooding and coastal storm surge model forecast architecture has dealt with offshore facing areas, harbors, estuaries, and rivers systems separately. Accurate prediction and projection abilities in regard to estuary, inland, and coastal flooding related to wet atmospheric and high energy event passage is rapidly emerging given real-time data availability and advances in coupled modeling, and a new system architecture paradigm is needed. For planning purposes or real-time forecasts, developing hindcasts no longer requires water levels, river discharge, or monthly averaged winds. North Carolina coastal flooding associated with a 1999 hurricane caused economic impacts of more than $6 billion and claimed 56 lives. A new model paradigm was called for since no existing models at the time could properly forecast the massive flooding. The authors propose coupling atmospheric information to fully non-linear, three dimensional time dependent estuary, coastal and ocean basin hydrodynamic models coupled to interactive river models with streamflow, modeled and measured water levels, modeled or observed precipitation, and modeled or real wind input in a model system. Storage or accelerated discharge mode capabilities are necessary in estuarine and river components. Spatial downscaling is needed in vertical scale from hundreds to several centimeters and in horizontal scales from thousand to tens meters. Highest available resolution should be used for elevation and topography data to predict location and time of flood water inundation and retreat with the highest accuracy. The optimal mix of ground-based, satellite, and direct radar observations must be used in precipitation information derivation. Modernization of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's hydrologic services will be advanced through the aforementioned capability creations, and coastal and estuary flooding forecasts and climatologies will be more timely and accurate. Improvements in forecasts and climatologies are aimed at providing local and regional highway patrols, emergency managers, and regional planners with better information and improving coastal community capacity for flooding impact mitigation.