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.
"Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities" is a new guide and website OCRM developed with other partners to build on the Smart Growth Network's ten smart growth principles to create coastal and waterfront-specific strategies for development. The website also includes helpful case studies, resources and tools.
The MPA Center has partnered with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish an MPA Fund to assist MPA agencies with enhancing stewardship and coordination among national system member sites. Click here to learn more.
The Coral Reef Conservation Program is pleased to announce Federal Funding Opportunities for five of its grant programs; details are posted here.
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