This report presents results of a survey of California coastal managers that shows that neither the state nor coastal communities are standing by until science and policy questions are settled. Communities along both the open ocean coast and along bay and estuarine shorelines are beginning to plan for climate change impacts. Despite scientific uncertainties and the economic challenges of recent years, they are rising to the challenge of coastal climate change. In light of already experienced changes, and the scientifically robust projections of additional and accelerating impacts of climate change in the future, this survey aimed to assess coastal professionals’ concerns with climate change impacts, their activities to date to plan and prepare for them, and the needs and barriers they encounter in planning for climate change.

In an unprecedented collaboration of 15 organizations who share an interest in the sustainable management and stewardship of the state’s coastal and marine resources, a survey was prepared. The results will inform their efforts to provide appropriate trainings and technical assistance to coastal professionals and to link them to the resources and tools that already exist.

Nearly 600 coastal professionals along California’s open ocean, bay, delta, and estuarine coastlines, from a range of communities, regional, state and federal government agencies, as well as the civic and private sectors, were surveyed in the summer and fall of 2011 to understand:

• Current coastal management challenges;
• Concerns, knowledge, and actions to prepare for climate change impacts; and
• Information, technical assistance, and training needs to support adaptation planning and implementation.