Quantitative Assessments of the Condition of Marine Ecosystems: The Need for the Coastal Module of the Global Ocean Observing System

Coastal nations worldwide are experiencing changes in their coastal marine and estuarine systems that jeopardize the capacity of marine ecosystems to support products and services valued by society. Developing the capacity for rapid detection and timely predictions of these changes requires that quantitative indices of ecosystem condition be reported routinely and periodically. This contribution discusses the importance of linking the development of the Global Ocean Observing System to the provision of quantitative indicators for policy makers and the public at rates and in forms needed for scientifically sound decision making.