It’s a great big ocean out there, and countries around the globe are recognizing the need to put additional efforts into the management of this important resource. New policies and tools are being developed to reduce ocean use conflicts and preserve critical ecosystems. NOAA is one of the lead federal agencies for this effort, and our website, www.cmsp.noaa.gov, offers extensive information.
The NOAA Coastal Services Center also provides several tools being used by public- and private-sector organizations who are trying to make smart decisions about the management of ocean resources.
Ocean Data
Access ocean planning data sets from the Digital Coast.
Ocean Planning Tools
Helpful tools for ocean planning projects can be found in the Digital Coast.
www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/search/ocean-planning
Featured Tool
Multipurpose Marine Cadastre
This planning tool, created in partnership with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), is a first stop for many ocean-related projects. Users pick ocean geographies of interest and quickly see the applicable jurisdictional boundaries, restricted areas, laws, critical habitat locations, and other important features.
www.marinecadastre.gov
For additional information about these and other tools, contact the Center at csc.info@noaa.gov.