Input requested for COASTAL (essentially 100km of shoreline – including inland estuarine areas) Gap Analysis Discussion Groups. This is best effort voluntary work through end of 2026. Anyone can participate, but it is being coordinated by COAST-VC for CEOS.
We invite subject matter experts to give input to the 2026 CEOS-wide Coastal Gap Analysis activity. Now is your chance to tell us your top 2 preferred Discussion Groups (out of 4) for the FIRST phase of the Gap Analysis. This first phase is expected to continue through July and we will try to honor your top selections. We hope to shuffle groups for a second phase running September – November 2026 (perhaps using different themes). We are also looking for 4 group coordinators (someone responsible for scheduling group meetings).
Completing this form is voluntary. You can revise your answers on the form. You can use the same link to submit the form entering a new email address. Information collected will ONLY be used to assign you to a subgroup and invite you to future coastal gap analysis meetings in 2026.
The initial 4 subgroups – selected following discussion at our January meetings – will meet on your own. We are looking for Leaders to schedule the meetings and sharing a progress report with COAST-VC co-leads- you can volunteer in the form. Leaders will be identified for each subgroup and they will reach out to assigned subject matter experts next week with invitations for meetings and to share foundational information to guide progress.
Please respond in this form by March 9, 12:00 UTC. Do not worry if you fail to submit the form by the deadline – you will simply be assigned to a subgroup, based upon openings – this is just a way to try to give you a voice in the assignment.
There is a strong possibility that subgroups will be shuffled midway through the year, so if you are unimpressed by your initial subgroup assignment, please contribute and just hang in there for the shuffle.
Once again we sincerely appreciate your interest and we recognize you will do your best to contribute to the Coastal Gap Analysis when and where you can. Please let me know immediately if you run into any problems with the form or you have any questions about the details outlined in the form.
Please share this with your colleagues.
Merrie Beth Neely, Ph.D., PMP
BOS NOAA, Global Science and Technology Contractor in support of NOAA/NESDIS
