In New England an informal communications network exists between coastal research vessel operating institutions. Vessel scheduling and operational support has been identified as adequate for the current amount of research being conducted within the region. However, societal shift towards coastal regions is prompting an increase in attention to research within the coastal zone. Current and pending federal initiatives are responding to this increased research need. This, in turn, is beginning to impose greater demands on coastal vessel sea-time. Therefore, a strengthening of the region\u27s inter-institutional communications network may be warranted for the future in order to better coordinate coastal research vessel funding and use
