50 years of ocean & coastal conservation
NOAA
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The diversity of our ocean and coasts is as great as its people. They provide places to live, work, and play offsite link, drive our nation’s economy, and support a wealth of biodiversity. They are an integral part of our national heritage and character.
In 1972, in response to growing public concern about the state of our environment, Congress enacted banner legislation designed to protect our nation’s ocean and coasts. The legislation shaped our past 50 years and will continue to shape the future. But that’s not enough - your help is also needed.
Help us raise awareness about all our ocean and coasts do for us and practice the 50 ways (and more!) you can love your ocean and coast.
Companion audio description for 50 ways to love your Ocean and Coasts video (.rtf) | PDF
50 years of ocean and coast legislation
50 years ago, Congress passed banner legislation designed to protect our nation's ocean and coasts. The legislation shaped our past 50 years and will continue to shape the future.
Created to meet the challenges associated with future growth in the coastal zone, the Coastal Zone Management Act continues to be relevant today. The legislation provides for the management of the nation’s coastal resources, including the Great Lakes, with a goal to “preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance the resources of the nation’s coastal zone."
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce “to identify and designate as national marine sanctuaries areas of the marine environment which are of special national significance and to manage these areas as the National Marine Sanctuary System.” Special national significance is based on an area’s conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, educational, cultural, archeological, or esthetic qualities.
The Coastal Zone Management Act is administered by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, and implemented through the following programs.
- National Coastal Zone Management Program
- National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- Coral Reef Conservation Program
- Digital Coast
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries conducts management, research, and education programs in areas designated as national marine sanctuaries, which include fifteen sites all over the country, and nationally as a system. This office also has co-management responsibilities for Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments under the Antiquities Act.
In response to growing concerns that certain species and populations of marine mammals were in danger of extinction or had been depleted as a result of human activities, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act. With this legislation, the primary objective of marine mammal management was to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem and, when consistent with that primary objective, obtain and maintain optimum sustainable populations of marine mammals. This legislation established a general moratorium on the taking and importing of many marine mammals. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the implementation of this legislation. Also established by this legislation: the Marine Mammal Commission to provide oversight and make recommendations to further the purposes and policies of the Act.
The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution. The objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters; recognizing the responsibilities of the states in addressing pollution and providing assistance to states to do so. This legislation is primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with state governments, though some of its provisions, such as those involving filling or dredging, are administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the coastal zone, the regulations and policies regarding stormwater runoff are administered in conjunction with coastal zone management programs, a state and NOAA partnership effort.
Links to other 50th websites
This page is sponsored by NOAA, the Marine Mammal Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.