Standing Committee

Ocean Studies Board

The Ocean Studies Board (OSB) is the focal point within the National Academies for ocean-related science, engineering, and policy issues. The OSB explores the science, policies, and infrastructure needed to understand and protect coastal and marine environments and resources. The board exercises leadership within the ocean community by helping identify and communicate the needs of the field and developing activities related to ocean science and engineering and their impacts on policy.

Work with us

In progress

Any project, supported or not by a committee, that is currently being worked on or is considered active, and will have an end date.

News and Updates

Forecasting the Ocean: The 2025–2035 Decade of Ocean Science

Update

This report provides advice on how to focus investments in ocean research, infrastructure, and workforce to meet national and global challenges in the coming decade and beyond, and in doing so, enhance national security, scientific leadership, and economic competitiveness through a thriving blue economy.

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

U.S. National Committee for the Ocean Decade

Update

The UN has recognized the need to support science working towards sustaining the ocean and, in response, deemed 2021–2030 the UN Ocean Decade. The National Academies have been tasked with convening the U.S. National Committee for the Decade to provide “the science we need for the ocean we want.” Join the effort as we work to make the ocean a more sustainable place.

About Events Projects Publications/Resources News and updates

Workshop

2025

The National Academies' Roundtable on Plastics convened a workshop in May 2025 to explore circularity and other approaches for sustainable life cycle management of plastic materials to mitigate plastic pollution, including reduction of plastic waste through redesign, reuse, remaking, and recycling....

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