The Ocean Conservation, Education and National Strategy for the 21st Century - Fall

Advisor: Kathleen Callahan

This report evaluates the Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 21), which proposes a comprehensive reform of ocean governance in the United States. The project begins by examining the growing pressures on marine ecosystems, including climate change, coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. These threats have contributed to the degradation of ocean ecosystem services that support fisheries, coastal economies, and climate regulation. The report also highlights the fragmented nature of current U.S. ocean governance, in which multiple federal and regional agencies operate with limited coordination. This fragmented system has hindered effective management of marine resources and reduced the ability of policymakers to respond to emerging environmental challenges.

To address these governance gaps, the report proposes an implementation strategy centered on ecosystem-based management (EBM), a policy approach that integrates scientific knowledge and regional coordination to manage marine ecosystems holistically. The plan recommends establishing a centralized National Ocean Policy office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to coordinate federal activities and support regional ocean partnerships. Additional initiatives include strengthening scientific data integration, developing educational programs for ocean managers, and creating performance measurement systems to evaluate policy outcomes. By emphasizing collaboration between federal agencies, regional stakeholders, and scientific institutions, the report demonstrates how ecosystem-based governance can improve long-term stewardship of marine resources while supporting economic activities dependent on healthy ocean ecosystems.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.