Soil surveys have much to offer coastal zone communities. As a soil scientist, our ability to read the landscape and describe and compare soil details enables us to recognize the need for and how to develop specific soil interpretations. Demand for specific subaqueous soil interpretations such as the presence of sulfidic materials, moorings, bottom type of material, and potential for submerged aquatic vegetation restoration, will increase in the coastal states.

Past research has focused on many components of estuarine and coastal ecosystems such as hydrology, vegetation and floral and faunal interactions. The substrate, which supports a wide variety of benthic invertebrates and submerged aquatic vegetation, has largely been ignored or not detailed enough to be of ecological significance. Subaqueous soil interpretations offer an excellent approach to the management and conservation of these resources.

The need for coastal zone mapping to inform policy makers and management is important for mitigating hazards, creating resource inventories, and tracking environmental changes. Developing soil interpretations for these areas will encourage new partnerships and assist all of us in making wise decisions concerning our natural resources.