Our blue planet.
Hurtling through space,
covered by more than 70 percent water,
our ocean is bursting with life.
And it gives life,
producing half the oxygen we breathe
and critical food for half the world's population.
It connects us,
serving as a super highway
for international trade.
And it inspires us,
providing open space for recreation
and exploration.
For more than 50 years,
NOAA has been at the forefront of conserving,
managing and exploring this vast resource
to benefit Americans now
and for generations to come.
This is the idea behind
a sustainable and resilient
"American Blue Economy."
At NOAA, we continue to unravel
new mysteries
from the ocean's surface
to its deepest depths.
Our ships, and those of our partners
are mapping and exploring
the largely unknown ocean,
expanding our knowledge
and discovering new medicines,
food and energy sources.
After all, we can't realize
the ocean's full potential,
without knowing ... what's out there?
As our reach into the ocean expands,
what will we discover?
What will demand our protection
or inspire future explorers?
NOAA is already protecting natural wonders
from coast to coast
through our national marine sanctuaries
and marine national monuments.
Like our national parks,
national marine sanctuaries are open to all.
Whether exploring a shipwreck,
diving around towering kelp forests,
or whale watching,
we've got something for everyone to enjoy.
More than sites of conservation and recreation,
marine sanctuaries generate
billions of dollars a year
for local communities.
Tourism and recreation
account for the largest sector
of the Blue Economy.
NOAA fisheries management,
in cooperation with state, regional,
and tribal partners,
is the gold standard for resource protection.
As a result the U.S. has emerged
as a global leader in sustainable seafood.
Wild caught and farmed seafood
generate billions of dollars annually,
employing millions of Americans.
As seafood demand grows,
so will economic opportunities.
NOAA is working with fishermen
and ocean farmers to drive innovation
and job growth.
We're committed to securing a sustainable
future for this indispensable food source.
NOAA is helping coastal communities
weather a changing climate.
We generate sea level rise forecasts
and critical storm data to empower
communities to plan and build a resilient future.
We look to the natural world,
supporting projects
that enhance natural barriers,
like oyster and coral reefs,
which protect our coasts.
This blend of high and low-tech preparedness
fortifies communities to bounce back
after a storm.
At NOAA, we're bridging the vast expanse
of the ocean,
connecting the U.S. with the global economy.
To meet increased demand for goods,
NOAA's flagship weather forecast
and navigation programs
guide enormous ships,
safeguarding trillions of dollars
in economic activity.
We also work to survey waterways
and protect sensitive habitats
when storms or accidents occur,
ensuring the international superhighway
stays open.
For more than 50 years,
NOAA has been leading
in the understanding and sustainable use
of our ocean,
making amazing discoveries,
protecting ocean wonders,
enhancing sustainable seafood output,
preparing us for climate change
and supporting ocean-based trade.
Our global blue economy
is as diverse,
interconnected, and resilient,
as our blue planet
and is forecast to accelerate,
doubling by 2030.
Building on 50 years of experience
NOAA will continue to lead the way.