Sea level rise rates along Maryland's coastline are nearly twice those of the global average. Sea level has risen approximately one foot in the last century and is expected to rise another 2 - 3 feet by the year 2100. Sea level rise impacts coastal areas by exacerbating coastal flooding, influencing shoreline erosion, and submerging tidal wetlands and other low-lying lands. Such impacts pose a significant threat to the steep cliffs, wetlands and marshes, tidal estuaries, and sandy beaches, and barrier islands that comprise Maryland's coastal environment. Recognizing the need to begin planning for sea level rise, a NOAA Coastal Management Fellow with Maryland's Coastal Program developed a Sea Level Rise Response Strategy for the State of Maryland. The strategy sets forth the policy and implementation framework for reducing the State's overall vulnerability to sea level rise in the coming years.

This document can be downloaded in two different formats, one that is a limited graphic document (filename: sea_level_strategy_small.pdf, 1164 kb) and the published document (filename: sea_level_strategy.pdf, 13,086kb). For additional information, contact the CZMP at (410) 260-8730.

If you wish to download the document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file. If you do not have the reader, you can get a free copy at http://www.adobe.com

If you are unable to download this file or would like a hard copy please contact the Coastal Zone Management Division at 410-260-8730.