The Office conducts scientific studies of marine ecosystems in support of the marine resource stewardship responsibilities of NOAA/NMFS. In the Northeast U.S., studies are concerned with ensuring the long-term productivity and sustainability of the living resources and the environment of the Northeast Shelf ecosystem. Where pertinent, the results of these and other related studies are used to provide scientific and technological assistance to developing countries as part of the NOAA-NMFS outreach program in support of the 1992 UNCED declaration on the oceans where coastal nations agreed to: 1) prevent, reduce, and control degradation of the marine environment so as to maintain and improve its life-support and productive capacities; 2) develop and increase the potential of marine living resources to meet human nutritional needs, as well as social, economic, and development goals; and 3) promote the integrated management and

    sustainable development of coastal areas and the marine environment. Office staff conduct analyses of ecological linkages to spatial and temporal patterns of change in the seasonal, annual, and decadal productivity cycle within the NE shelf ecosystem, develop and apply new technologies for assessing the changing states of marine ecosystems including satellite imaging, and underway in situ sensors. Studies are conducted in collaboration with other line offices in NOAA, with academic, public and private institutions, and provide outputs to scientific, industrial, and public interests. In cooperation with academic institutions through the CMER Program, staff support research relating to the sustainability of the living marine resources of the NE Shelf ecosystem. The Office also provides scientific and technical guidance and support in the planning, implementation, and conduct of large marine ecosystem (LME) projects nationally and globally. Provide scientific and technical support to long-standing U.S. bilateral living marine resources (LMR) agreements with Poland and develop new bilateral agreements with other countries.

OMES Webpages...

Office of Marine Ecosystem Studies Main Page

Large Marine Ecosystems (LME)

The Cooperative Marine Education and Research (CMER) Program

The Coastwatch Program