Global Leader in Integrated Management of the Ocean:
Defining Key Terms

Meeting the challenge of becoming a global leader in integrated management of the ocean requires clear definition of the terms in the statement. The definitions below explain what NOS means in saying that it strives to help NOAA become a global leader in integrated management of the ocean.

GLOBAL...

• maintaining employees that are recognized for world-class expertise;
  
• working to be global in influence and impact;
  
• seeking opportunities to work collaboratively with other nations;
  
• undertaking work that is global in geographic scope;
  
• participating in writing and implementing international ocean policy; and
  
• learning from international partners.
  

LEADERSHIP...

• providing a challenging vision for the future of ocean stewardship;
  
• setting an example by creating tools, sharing information and knowledge, and building partnerships;
  
• building support and recognition from the ocean community;
  
• identifying emerging issues in ocean management;
  
• developing innovative and creative solutions; and
  
• providing financial and human resources when needed.
  

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT...

• combining social, economic, technical, and scientific information to make decisions that balance the health of coastal economies and ecosystems;
  
• using a common planning and implementation framework across all government organizations to manage ocean resources;
  
• collaborating with organizations that are responsible for different aspects of data gathering or ocean management to reduce overlap and maximize resources available to apply to coastal and ocean issues; and
  
• recognizing that the information and services needed to manage coastal and ocean issues must incorporate diverse perspectives and expertise.
  

OCEAN...

• focusing primarily on coastal watersheds, estuaries, and ocean waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); and
  
• focusing secondarily on upland areas landward of coastal watersheds and the blue waters of the deep ocean.
  

For a detailed discussion of integrated ocean management, click here.

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