How Are We Doing?
Maintaining the long-term vitality of our coastlines requires careful planning and evaluation of our progress in a variety of areas including the protection of ecosystem functions, support for coastal dependent uses, and incorporation of stakeholder interests for current as well as future generations.
The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) performs regular evaluations of state Coastal Zone Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves, as required by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The public is encouraged to participate and provide comments. The evaluations ensure that states are effectively implementing their programs.
OCRM has further developed a number of Performance Measures and Contextual Indicators, to determine the overall success of the Coastal Zone Management Act. By partnering with the coastal management programs and reserves, OCRM has outlined a Coastal Zone Management Act Performance Measurement System that allows for flexibility in accommodating different management structures and coastal priorities nationwide.