The Coastal Education and Research Foundation (CERF) is a nonprofit scientific society dedicated to the advancement of the coastal sciences and is devoted to the multi-disciplinary study of the complex problems within and around the coastal zone. Our goal is to help translate and interpret coastal issues for the public and to assist in the development of professional coastal research programs. Our Society specifically supports and encourages field and laboratory studies on a local, national, and international basis. Through renowned scientific papers, book and encyclopedia series, our monthly society newsletter (Just CERFing), and the world wide web, CERF disseminates the latest coastal research information to professors, specialists, researchers, and the general public in an effort to maintain or improve the quality of our planet's coastal resources.