2020
National Strategy for Mapping, Exploring, and Characterizing the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

A Strategy for Mapping the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska.

2019
The Presidential Memorandum on Ocean Mapping of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone and the Shoreline and Nearshore of Alaska calls on federal agencies to develop two mapping strategies and find ways for efficient permitting to conduct mapping activities.

Inspired by the Seabed 2030 initiative, IOCM partners in the Great Lakes self-organized to establish a Lakebed 2030 initiative that draws attention to the significant challenge and need to fill bathymetry gaps by 2030.

2018
Executive Order 13817 of February 16, 2018 (A Federal Strategy To Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals) sets forth actions to reduce the Nation’s vulnerability to disruptions in the supply of critical minerals.

Executive Order 13840 of June 19, 2018 (Ocean Policy To Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States) creates an Ocean Policy Committee to handle several aspects of interagency coordination on ocean-related matters.

The report “Science and Technology for America’s Oceans: A Decadal Vision” provides guidance to federal agencies and non-federal sectors to align resources and expertise, and further build on scientific and technology that will improve knowledge and stewardship of the ocean.

2017
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 improves NOAA’s weather research through a focused program of investment on affordable and attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to support substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, to expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.

Seabed 2030 is an aspirational project that aims to facilitate the complete mapping of the world’s ocean floor by 2030.

The National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance regulates the safe and sanitary control of the growing, processing, and shipping of molluscan shellfish for human consumption.

2016
The paper “NOAA's Contribution to the Economy; Powering America's Economy and Protecting Americans” talks about NOAA’s strategic contributions to a blue economy.

2013
The Presidential Policy Directive on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience advances a national unity of effort to strengthen and maintain secure, functioning, and resilient critical infrastructure.

2011
10 U.S.C. 7921 (Safety and Effectiveness Information; Hydrographic Information) maximizes the safety and effectiveness of all maritime vessels, aircraft, and forces of the armed forces, and instructs the Secretary of the Navy to collect, process, and provide hydrographic information to the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

2010
Executive Order 13547 of July 19, 2010 (Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes) adopts the recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force.

The publication “Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, July 19, 2010” by the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force recommends that NOAA strengthen and integrate Federal and non-Federal ocean observing systems, sensors, data collection platforms, data management, and mapping capabilities into a national system, and integrate that system into international observation efforts (priority objective #9).

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative accelerates efforts to protect and restore the largest system of fresh surface water in the world and provides funding to strategically target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem.

2009
The Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act calls for coordinated and comprehensive ocean and coastal mapping across the federal government and gives NOAA a lead role in integrating mapping efforts with federal, state and local governments, and private sector partners.

The Ocean Exploration and Undersea Research Program Act of 2009 establishes the national ocean exploration program and the national undersea research program within NOAA.

The Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 establishes a National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.

The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 designates certain land as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, authorizes certain programs and activities in the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, and other purposes.

2007
The Energy Independence and Security Act aims to improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce U.S. dependence on petroleum.

2005
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set forth an energy research and development program.

The Soil Surveys Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct the soil survey program and make available soil surveys needed by States and other public agencies, including community development districts, for guidance in community planning and resource development, and for other purposes.

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 ensures that the Refuge System is managed as a national system of related lands, waters, and interests for the protection and conservation of our Nation's wildlife resources.

2004
As mandated by the Oceans Act of 2000, the report “An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century:  Final Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy” by the Commission on U.S. Ocean Policy contains balanced and practical proposals for the establishment of a comprehensive and coordinated ocean policy for our nation.

The publication “A Geospatial Framework for the Coastal Zone:  National Needs for Coastal Mapping and Charting” by the National Academies identifies coastal zone spatial information needs, priorities, and ways to meet the needs. 

The Maritime Security Policy Presidential Directive of 2004 directs the coordination of United States Government maritime security programs and initiatives to achieve a comprehensive and cohesive national effort involving appropriate Federal, State, local, and private sector entities.

2002
The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 requires completion of security assessments, development of security plans, and implementation of security measures and procedures to reduce the risk and mitigate the exposure of our ports and waterways to terrorist activity.

1998
Reauthorized in 2002 and 2008, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act reiterates purpose and authorizes increased funding for NOAA's navigation services.

1990

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 sets forth requirements for prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharges at specific non-transportation-related facilities.

The Global Change Research Act of 1990 requires research into global warming and related issues and requires a report to Congress every four years on the environmental, economic, health and safety consequences of climate change.

1986
The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 authorizes USACE civil works activities and builds on previous reform efforts to ensure improvements are made to the Nation’s ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources infrastructure.

1984
The Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 provides for a comprehensive national policy dealing with national research needs and objectives in the Arctic.

1983
Proclamation 5030: Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States of America proclaims U.S. sovereign rights and jurisdiction and also confirms the rights and freedoms of all States within an Exclusive Economic Zone

1982
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) establishes rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.

1979
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 protects archaeological resources and sites which are on public lands and Indian lands and fosters increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private individuals.

1976
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is the primary law governing marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters.

1974
Chapter 5 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea covers safety of navigation, including requirements for hydrographic services and nautical charts to support safe navigation for all ships on all voyages.

The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 establishes a licensing system for the ownership, construction, operation and decommissioning of deepwater port structures located beyond the U.S. territorial sea.

1973
Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, the Endangered Species Act protects and recovers imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

1972
Administered by NOAA, the Coastal Zone Management Act provides for the balanced management of the nation’s coastal resources, including the Great Lakes, and outlines three national programs, the National Coastal Zone Management Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, and the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP).

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is a U.S./Canada agreement that facilitates action on threats to Great Lakes water quality and includes strengthened measures to anticipate and prevent ecological harm.

The National Marine Sanctuaries Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate and protect areas of the marine environment with special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archeological, educational or esthetic qualities as national marine sanctuaries.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act was the first legislation to mandate an ecosystem-based approach to marine resource management.

1969
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 assures that all branches of government give proper consideration to the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment.

1966
The National Historic Preservation Act was passed primarily to acknowledge the importance of protecting our nation’s heritage from development. In 2014, the codified law for the National Historic Preservation Act was moved from Title 16 to Title 54.

1958
The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 provides for research into problems of flight within and outside the earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes.

1953
Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the Secretary of the Interior is responsible for the administration of mineral exploration and development of the Outer Continental Shelf, which is defined as all submerged lands seaward of state coastal waters which are under U.S. jurisdiction.

Under the Submerged Lands Act, oil/gas exploration and development was promoted in coastal waters and title of submerged lands was returned to the states.

1950
The National Science Foundation was created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950.

1947
Under the Coast and Geodetic Survey Act of 1947, NOAA is required to provide nautical charts and products for safe maritime commerce and navigation

1938
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to oversee the safety of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.

1918
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid Federal permit.

1916
The National Park Service was established by the Organic Act of 1916.

1879
The U.S. Geological Survey was established by the Organic Act of 1879.

1870
The National Weather Service was first organized through the Organic Act of 1870.