How can the public access tidal data and information to plan upcoming recreational activities?
STEVE GILL: There are a few Web sites out there that provide local and regional tidal information. You can go to tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov to see current conditions, especially during storms or go to tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov to get historical data and much more information on tides and currents and sea levels. You can go to tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports to see how real-time tides and currents measurements and forecast models are used by the maritime community. HOST: Thanks Steve. We also have listeners from many different regions of the U.S. How are some of our non-coastal listeners impacted by tides? STEVE GILL: Well, by measuring and analyzing the tides, we can produce very accurate tide and tidal current predictions and estuarine models that are used to make sure that our ports are used in the safest and most efficient manner. This affects the whole U.S. economy, as most of the U.S. trade and commerce comes into and out of the U.S. through the major coastal ports. So that affects
