Research at SERC focuses on the coastal zone. Nearly 70 percent of the world's people live in a coastal zone. Coasts are some of the most diverse, life-giving ecosystems on Earth, but they're also under intense pressure from climate change, invasive species, and other major environmental impacts. SERC scientists research coasts around the world and run studies that can last decades. Explore the topics below to learn more about SERC's main areas of research.