3: Healthy Oceans

Marine fisheries, habitats, and biodiversity sustained within healthy and productive ecosystems

Other Information:

Ocean ecosystems provide many benefits to humans. They provide food and recreational opportunities, and they support economies. Yet the resources that our marine, coastal, and Great Lakes environments present to us are already stressed by human uses. Habitat changes have depleted fish and shellfish stocks, increased the number of species that are at-risk, and reduced biodiversity. Because humans are an integral part of the ecosystem, declines in ecosystem functioning and quality directly impact human health and well-being. As long-term environmental, climate, and population trends continue, global demands for seafood and energy, recreational use of aquatic environments, and other pressures on habitats and overexploited species will increase as will concerns about the sustainability of ecosystems and safety of edible fish. Depleted fish stocks and declines in iconic species (such as killer whales, salmon, and sea turtles) result in lost opportunities for employment, economic growth, and recreation along the coasts. In addition, climate change impacts to the ocean, including sea level rise, acidification, and warming, will alter habitats and the relative abundance and distribution of species. Climate change poses serious risks to coastal and marine ecosystems productivity, which, in turn, affects recreational, economic, and conservation activities. NOAA's goal of healthy ocean ecosystems will ensure that ocean, estuarine, and related ecosystems—and the species that inhabit them—are vibrant and sustainable in the face of challenges. A strong understanding of these systems supports an ecosystem-based approach to management. The approach accounts for the complex connections among organisms (including humans); their physical, biotic, cultural, and economic environments; and the wide range of processes that control their dynamics. An ecosystem-based approach will assist policy makers to weigh trade-offs between alternative courses of action. By working toward the long-term sustainability of all species, NOAA will also help ensure for present and future generations that seafood is a safe, reliable, and affordable food source; that seafood harvest and production, recreational fishing opportunities, and non-consumptive uses of living marine resources continue to support vibrant coastal communities and economies; and that species of cultural and economic value can flourish.

Stakeholder(s):

• NOAA Partners: NOAA Partnerships for Healthy Oceans—Achieving healthy and sustainable ocean ecosystems will require strong coordination and integration across NOAA and with Federal, State, local, and tribal stakeholders.


• Federal Stakeholders


• State Stakeholders


• Local Stakeholders


• Tribal Stakeholders


• Academic Institutions: Collaboration with academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, Federal agencies, and NOAA's operational and research programs will help to provide the scientific foundation for ocean resource management decisions and strengthen ecosystem science.


• Non-Governmental Organizations


• Federal Agencies


• NOAA Scientists: Strong partnerships and enhanced coordination and cooperation among NOAA scientists, policymakers, the Fishery Management Councils, the commercial and recreational fishing industries, non-governmental organizations, coastal stewards, and academic centers will ensure a transparent and effective approach to manage ocean resources.


• Policymakers


• Fishery Management Councils


• Commercial Fishing Industry


• Recreational Fishing Industry


• Non-Governmental Organizations


• Coastal Stewards

Objective(s):

3.1: Ecosystems

3.2: Marine & Coastal Species

3.3: Marine Resources & Communities

3.4

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