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Ocean Management

Oceans sustain global food systems, economies, and ecosystems. The National Academies study ocean management approaches that balance fisheries, energy production, and conservation to ensure the long-term health of marine environments. 

What's happening

Priorities for Sustainable and Responsible Development of Offshore Renewable Energy on the West Coast Outlined in New Report

News Release

The waters of the U.S. West Coast are well-suited for renewable energy projects but already support maritime activities central to regional economies, food systems, and public safety. A new National Academies report offers recommendations to help inform offshore renewable energy development while mitigating negative impacts on coastal communities and industries.

Mar 17, 2026
coastal ocean waves

Early Career Liaison Kailani Acosta Advances Ocean Science at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Program News

We spoke with U.S. Ocean Decade Early Career Liaison Kailani Acosta about her work as part of the Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Network Programme under the UN Ocean Decade.

Sep 16, 2025

A New Era for Oceanography: 26th Annual Roger Revelle Commemorative Lecture Examines Ocean Exploration in the Age of Intelligent Robots and a Changing Climate

Feature Story

Christopher Scholin, president and chief executive officer of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, showcased progress in ocean exploration and discussed the future of the field during the 26th annual Roger Revelle Commemorative Lecture.

May 9, 2025
revelle lecture 2025. Christopher Scholin speaking at a podium in the NAS auditorium

Featured work

Assessment of Partnership Options for a Small Satellite System for Collecting Scientific Quality Oceanic and Coastal Data

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

A Mid-Term Assessment of NSF Progress on the 2015 Strategic Vision for Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

United States Contributions to Global Ocean Plastic Waste

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

A Report Series on Long-Term Environmental Trends in the Gulf of Mexico

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Review of Methods for Setting Building and Equipment Performance Standards

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Interventions to Increase the Resilience of Coral Reefs

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Developing a U.S. Research Agenda to Advance Subseasonal to Seasonal Forecasting

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Urban Meteorology: Forecasting, Monitoring, and Meeting Users’ Needs

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

GRP Emerging ScienTalks: Webinar Series

Educational/Outreach Activity

Completed

Space Radiation Effects Testing Infrastructure for the U.S. Space Program

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Featured Publications

Units

Board on Gulf Education and Engagement

Oversight Unit

Completed

Roundtable on Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development

Roundtable/Forum

Completed

Standing Committee on the Offshore Wind Energy and Fisheries

Standing Committee

Completed

Enhancing Community Resilience (EnCoRe)

Initiative

Completed

Center for Health, People, and Places (CHPP)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Polar Research Board

Standing Committee

In Progress

Ocean Studies Board

Standing Committee

In Progress

Gulf Research Program

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Earth Systems and Resources Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Tide area looks like a Earth, Rock fragments like a continent.

U.S. National Committee for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (USNC/TAM)

Standing Committee

In Progress
USNC hero image_0017_TAM.jpg | https://nasemoceprodcomm-nationalacademies.cec.ocp.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT1B7D98F71CFC4773B835710E9758DC1F/native?cb=_cache_daba&format=webp&channelToken=d2dc71410b56f1d61406108f1738d0f4
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