[1] The Act provides the basis for protecting, restoring, and responsibly developing the United States' diverse coastal communities and resources.
Some of the key elements of the National CZM Program include protecting natural resources; managing development in high hazard areas; giving development priority to coastal-dependent uses; providing public access for recreation; and coordinating state and federal actions.
It provides grants to eligible states and territories as an incentive to prepare and implement plans guiding the use of coastal lands and resources.
[4] The Act has not been adapted to include the effects on coastal zones of sea level rise in the United States caused by climate change.
[4] Effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 showed a lack of organization and large gaps in knowledge for decision making in local coastal zones.