CESN ‘09 will provide a forum to share state-of-the-art technology capabilities and learn about informational needs related to environmental sensing networks. Specific focus will be placed on gathering, processing, and utilizing information from environmental sensing networks to better manage the changing coastal environment. The focus of CESN’09 is consistent with the “Revolutionary Times: Catching the Wave of Change” theme of CZ ’09 (http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz/) and as such, Day 1 of CESN ’09 will take place on Thursday July 23, 2009 at the CZ’09 conference (being held at The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers). At CZ ’09, a series of three Panel Sessions on Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks will explore sensor network technology, sensor applications, and policy and management-related information and technology needs.