The Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) is a practical demonstration of near real-time, global ocean data assimilation that provides regular, complete descriptions of the temperature, salinity and velocity structure of the ocean in support of operational oceanography, seasonal-to-decadal climate forecasts and analyses, and oceanographic research. As of 2007, a number of real-time and offline global and regional ocean simulations are available for use, for instance by regional and coastal modellers seeking suitable initial and boundary conditions within their particular geographic domain. In order to foster interactions between coastal modellers using or planning to use large-scale GODAE products, and between them and the large-scale GODAE systems, it is proposed to have two Coastal Workshops in 2007 and 2008. The general objectives of the workshops are as follows: (i) Assess the impact of GODAE products on downscaled/nested regional, coastal and shelf seas models ; (ii) Share experience and procedures on important scientific issues of the coastal systems, including: downscaling and initialization, tides and high frequencies, benefit evaluation and metrics, data assimilation.