How NOAA is supporting the New Blue Economy

Wave glider floating in ocean
Sustaining, improving, and expanding ocean and coastal observations

To ensure the New Blue Economy has the ocean and atmospheric data and information needed to address societal challenges and grow the economy, NOAA is sustaining and improving ocean observing systems while increasing data collection to include industry-based data collection and real-time reporting of ocean and atmospheric observations.

Wind turbines in ocean
Strengthening established sectors of the Blue Economy

Working with industry partners, NOAA is planning for climate resilient infrastructure and encouraging more sustainable operations — particularly with regard to conservation, nature-based solutions, aquaculture, renewable energy and other sectors with emerging interests in ocean co-benefits.

Sunset over coastline with tall cliffs and trees
Improving the resilience of coastal communities and economies

To ensure responsible development and growth of the coastal communities and economies, NOAA is connecting tools for resilience and climate science with coastal communities and engaging in co-development of those tools to support planning and management decision-making.

Graphic depicting digital information across the globe
Providing equitable access to reliable, consistent and accurate ocean and coastal data

NOAA is increasing stakeholder engagement to better capture evolving societal challenges and user needs and prioritizing social inclusion and equity in every aspect of stakeholder engagement and service delivery.

Scuba diver conducting underwater research
Conducting and supporting research, development, acquisition and application of new technologies

NOAA and its partners are collaborating to improve data collection, data management, and forecasting capabilities. NOAA is also exploring artificial intelligence, machine learning and data visualization technologies for use in at sea observing, data and video analysis, and stock assessments.

NOAA officers aboard one of the smaller survey vessels contemplate the vastness of the Chukchi Sea during the NOAA Ship Fairweather's reconnaissance survey in 2013.
Promoting and developing a diverse and ready New Blue Economy workforce

Recognizing that science is not only done by or in service of a select few, NOAA’s commitment to science will mirror its commitment to an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce.

SeaWiFS satellite captured this view of the Great Lakes, including the turbid waters of Lake Erie, in this recent overpass.
Protecting and restoring marine life and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems

A healthy blue economy depends on responsible management of our ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. NOAA will continue to protect, manage, and conserve more than 620,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters, 430 domestic protected marine species, the Exclusive Economic Zone, and Extended Continental Shelf

Houses along a Rugged coastline
Reducing risk from coastal and environmental hazards

NOAA is working to ensure decision-makers and the public coastal communities have access to the products and services they need for effective preparation and response to the ocean-related hazards that threaten their health and economies.