What we want is a project that represents the best efforts of coastal scientists and engineers, not social planners.

But more than a dozen coastal scientists from around the country have objected.

"The whole surface is sinking," said Abby Sallenger, another coastal scientist with the agency.

When coastal scientists survey storm damage, they often speak cynically about people who have chosen to build their houses in harm's way.

As coastal scientists, we are excited to see the idea of wetlands restoration so widely discussed.

Louisiana's coastal scientists, engineers and politicians suggest that without this coastal restoration project, all other efforts will be endangered.

Many coastal scientists say people have to learn to live with nature rather than trying to hold off the ocean with walls and other structures.

We have consulted coastal scientists to tell us of the consequences of this erosion.

The Alabama and Florida beaches damaged in recent hurricanes will naturally recover at least somewhat, coastal scientists say.

But not all coastal scientists agree.