College of the Coast and Environment

We regulate and monitor ocean dumping and vessel discharges, and reduce aquatic trash and marine debris. We protect water quality and habitats in 28 estuaries around the nation. We control polluted runoff and restore impaired waters.

Global Change Biology exists to promote understanding of the interface between all aspects of current environmental change that affects a substantial part of the globe and biological systems.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formed the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in 1999 as the focal point for NOAA’s coastal ocean science efforts. We help NOAA meet its coastal stewardship and management responsibilities, and we provide coastal managers with the scientific information necessary to decide how best to protect environmental resources and public health, preserve valued habitats, and improve the way communities interact with coastal ecosystems.

The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) are digital geospatial datasets that map the surface water of the United States and are a part of The National Map. The NHD represents the nation’s drainage networks and related features, including rivers, streams, canals, lakes, ponds, glaciers, coastlines, dams, and streamgages.

The National Ocean Economics Program (NOEP) provides a full range of the most current policy-relevant economic and demographic information available on changes and trends along the U.S. coast, Great Lakes, and coastal waters. NOEP will soon expand to international datasets to support the broader mission of its new host, the Center for the Blue Economy(CBE) to "promote ocean and coastal sustainability."