The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides national leadership, strategic direction and guidance to state and territory coastal programs and estuarine research reserves.

We work with state and territory coastal resource managers in a variety of ways. We foster knowledge sharing, promote research and pursue innovative management strategies and techniques. We are working with partners to develop a scientifically-based, comprehensive national system of marine protected areas (MPA's). Through NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program we support effective management and sound science to protect, sustain and restore coral reef ecosystems.

Our activities are mandated by three articles of legislation: the Coastal Zone Management Act, MPA Executive Order, and Coral Reef Conservation Act. The Office is composed of six divisions: Coastal Programs, Estuarine Reserves, National Policy and Evaluation, Business Management, MPA Center, and the Coral Program.

Coastal waters give us food, recreation, commerce pathways, and solace -- but many of these waters are threatened by pollution. OCRM works with partners to apply management practices that improve coastal water quality and keep healthy waters clean. We join forces to research new stormwater technologies and raise awareness of water quality issues.

NOAA has increased protection of threatened elkhorn and staghorn corals in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beginning November 21, activities that result in death or harm to either species will be prohibited. Once the major reef builders in Florida and the Caribbean, more than 90 percent of these corals’ populations has been lost.

(top)

Site Map | About the Site | Privacy Policy | First Gov
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) | Information Quality