The coastal ocean is where society meets the sea. As such, coastal ocean regions tend to have multiple, competing utilizations. As a consequence of both land runoff and deeper ocean interactions most coastal ocean regions tend to be nutrient rich and hence ecologically productive, with abundant commercial and recreational fisheries. Coastal ocean beaches provide the basis for tourism, which supports the associated hospitality and restaurant industries, and its deep-water ports facilitate active marine commerce hubs, each with vibrant population centers.