Rapid degradation of the Mississippi River delta and climate change are placing the physical and socioeconomic sustainability of coastal Louisiana in doubt. As exemplified by the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it is important to pursue aggressive coastal restoration or face the daunting implications of inaction. One important issue is how to provide security for significant infrastructure and societal systems, while also allowing for ecological processes that are required for the long-term sustenance of the coast. Universities in Louisiana have taken a leading role in addressing these politically sensitive and economically challenging aspects of this unprecedented effort.