The study will identify barriers to effective management of coastal and marine resources encountered in coastal nations, particularly in the developing world. The committee will examine current and past efforts to build the scientific, technological and institutional capacities required for countries to develop and implement effective coastal and marine resource policies. This review will include analysis of strategies for sustaining the benefits of capacity building efforts over the long-term. In carrying out its task, the committee will:1) Identify the types of information that would be required to form a foundation for policy decisions affecting the long-term health of coastal and marine eco-systems;2) Examine the roles of human resource development, establishment of appropriate institutions and infrastructure, and creation of favorable policy environment in building legitimacy across a broad spectrum of society into oceans-related programs; and3) Identify measures to link investment in capacity building to 'on-the-ground' results, using such analytical tools as economic cost-benefit, environment and development indicators, and trans-boundary diagnostic analysis.The committee will recommend ways in which the United States and partner organizations, including governments, international bodies, and stakeholders, can help strengthen the marine protection and management capacity of other countries. This will include recommendations on how capacity building activities can be translated into sustainable environmental and economic programs.The project is sponsored by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The approximate start date for the project was October 15, 2005. A report will be issued at the end of the project, July 2007.UPDATE (7/30/07): The revised release date for the final report is now mid-September 2007.UPDATE (8/23/07): The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation is an additional sponsor for this project.