Public Involvement

Coastal ecosystems support abundant fish, wildlife, and recreation while providing valuable economic opportunities through tourism, ports, commercial fishing, and other coastal-dependent industries.

The coastal zone is also the most developed area in the nation. More than half of the American population lives in the coastal zone. Although coastal communities and visitors can increase pressures on sensitive coastal resources, they are an important resource for coastal and ocean management.

Public involvement and participation are vital to managing coastal resources and balancing demands in the coastal zone. People in coastal communities are intimately aware of what is happening in their neighborhoods and at their favorite fishing or birding spots. The best coastal management is a cooperative process that involves an informed public.

Louisiana citizens in Saint Bernard Parish participate in long-term recovery planning after Hurricane Katrina.

OCRM managed programs engage the public and coordinate with state and local governments. Public involvement can range from participating in a community visioning event sponsored by the state coastal management program to volunteering at a local estuarine research reserve.

Find more information on becoming involved in ocean and coastal resource management:

For more information, contact Laurie Rounds.

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