Explore: Our Ocean Economy

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NOAA Blue Economy Strategic Plan: 2021-2025

See how NOAA data, tools, services, and partnerships are powering the American Blue Economy in the NOAA Blue Economy Strategic Plan for 2021-2025.

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The Ocean Enterprise

See how the ocean enterprise—for-profit and not-for-profit businesses which support ocean measurement, observation, and forecasting—is a critical component of maritime commerce and the Ocean economy.

Cargo ship enters PortMiami. Image credit: iStock

Maritime Commerce in a Changing Climate

The National Ocean Service provides wide-ranging support that strengthens the resilience of our coastal economy today — and into the future.

A six image collage representing the fishing, shipping, oil, tourist, and ship building industries.

Economics: National Ocean Watch

The Economics: National Ocean Watch (ENOW) data set features time-series data focused on the six economic sectors that are dependent on the ocean and Great Lakes.

See how NOAA tools—such as nautical charts, accurate positioning services, and ocean and weather observations—play a key role in ensuring that shipments move swiftly and safely along our marine highways.

Ramping Up Renewable Energy

The U.S. government aims to deploy 30 gigawatts of wind energy production in federal waters by 2030. The National Ocean Service (NOS) is helping the nation achieve this goal.

Money-Saving Ocean Solutions

Improving the health of our ocean is not always a choice between our planet and our pocketbooks. Sometimes solutions to ocean problems can save money. Here are three examples that NOAA researchers found save or even make money.

Coral Reef Economy

Find out why it's not too late to protect our coral resources in this short (less than two minute) video.

Economic Basics

Head to NOAA's Digital Coast to explore basics of our coastal and ocean economy, how to use our data and information products, and more.

Image of a shipping container about to be loaded onto a cargo ship

The Advent of the Modern-Day Shipping Container

Explore the advent of the modern-day shipping container, a key component in the exponential growth of global maritime transportation.

Sanctuary Socioeconomics

Learn how NOAA's National marine sanctuaries are centers for strong local economies.

Connecting the Dots Between Corals and Humans

In this audio podcast, learn about the NOAA national coral reef monitoring program and how NOAA scientists are closely studying the interaction between reefs and humans across all of our national coral reef jurisdictions.

Our Dynamic Marine Economy

This story map, published in June 2020, updates the first official assessment of the U.S. marine economy. Developed by NOAA and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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An Inch of Water. What's it Worth?

See how an extra inch of water depth in a port means millions of dollars worth of additional cargo.

inundated coast in Marblehead, Massachusetts

Employment in Coastal Inundation Zones

View establishments, along with the number of people employed by those business establishments, that fall within various coastal inundation zones.

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Video: Wind Energy Siting

See how scientists carefully study underwater areas to map out the best locations for potential future wind energy projects.

Fast Facts: Tourism and Recreation

Tourism and recreation support a wide range of businesses in the nation’s shore-adjacent zip codes, from restaurants, hotels, aquariums, and marinas to boat manufacturers and sporting goods stores.

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Our Coastal and Ocean Economy