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.

The Pacific Islands Marine Protected Areas Community (PIMPAC) is a collaboration of marine protected area (MPA) managers, non-governmental organizations, local communities, federal, state, and territorial agencies, and other stakeholders working together to collectively enhance the effective use and management of MPAs in the U.S. Pacific Islands and Freely Associated States. 

The Walter B. Jones Memorial and NOAA Excellence Awards honor the people and organizations of America for their dedication and outstanding contributions in helping the nation maintain healthy coastal and ocean resources. NOAA recently recognized the 2008 recipients at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C.

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