The overarching perception across scientists, coastal industries and natural resource managers is that the coastal zone is at high risk for the full range of climate change impacts from land and sea (Simms Woodroffe 2008). There is an overwhelming consensus from industry and managers that a most urgent need in achieving practical adaptive solutions to shifting and variable environmental resources is a consolidated information base of natural resources and industry resources (Simms Woodroffe 2008; Leith Haward 2010; SRCMA 2010, I&INSW comment, Colin Creighton (FRDC) comment, industry feedback). Identification of spatial information about climate change threats, industry location and production and essential environmental resources (water quality, primary production and physical locations) needs to be synthesized and cross referenced to provide for the most informed adaptation strategies.

Of the 5 specific recommendations or needs for adaptation to climate change in the oyster industry, as reviewed by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research facility (Leith and Haward 2010), the following three will be adressed here:

1) a program of coastal and estuarine monitoring in which oyster growers, regional universities and regional NRM authorities are partners
4) continued development of knowledge-action networks that include growers, industry bodies, scientists, regional NRM agencies and representatives of state and local government;
5) provision of clear and concise information that allows reciprocal understanding of the process of oyster farming and the needs of growers… and of government regulatory and approvals processes.

This proposal addresses the identified needs, or recommendations 1, 2 and 4, by developing a monitoring synthesis portal, providing knowledge action networks for industry advocacy and information for regulatory frameworks.