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.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System has launched a new education Web site, www.estuaries.gov, featuring Estuaries 101, an on-line science curriculum providing powerful ways for students to learn fundamental concepts in science and develop scientific thinking skills, as well as explore the nationís biologically rich and economically important estuaries. .

NOAA and DOI have jointly launched the National System of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – the first formal mechanism for coordinating MPAs across all levels of government toward common conservation objectives. The Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States of America is the blueprint for building the national system and outlines its key components.

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