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Many challenges face IAEA Member States in the 21st century, amongst which managing ocean resources. Ocean resources are vast but finite. Moreover the quality of this resource is unquestionably declining, largely due to the processes of human cultural and economic development. And yet this resource is a cornerstone for the ecological health of the marine environment and life on earth. The rate of decline defies conventional solutions. Current institutions are struggling to comprehend the problem, let alone to mitigate them. The developmental objective of the IAEA is to provide Member States with accurate and reliable information and data to enable them plan and manage their coastal resources better.
A key application of nuclear technologies in coastal zone management is the use of the receptor binding assay (RBA), a rapid, accurate and inexpensive assay as a replacement or to complement the live mouse bioassay for effective seafood toxicity monitoring worldwide. Other uses include a unique role in determining chronologies for coastal sediments and therefore creating understanding about eutrophication and organic matter sources. Nuclear technologies can also help in determining submarine groundwater discharges and saltwater intrusion which can cause habitat modification.
