To lead the nation's efforts to manage and conserve ocean and coastal resources.
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.
Beaches, wetlands, coral reefs, and other coastal habitats offer many economic benefits - homes for commercial fish species and recreation for tourists. They also help protect us from floods and reduce storm damage. Find out how OCRM works to protect and restore coastal habitats.
Visit OCRM's new Climate Change Webpage. Find out what climate change is doing on the coasts, and some ways NOAA and the states are addressing those impacts.
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