Ocean Program

Our oceans act as a crucial life-support system for the planet and its inhabitants — soaking up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, providing a wealth of natural resources, nurturing incredible and mysterious sea creatures, and serving as a playground and place of cultural heritage. Covering 71 percent of Earth’s surface and providing 99 percent of its living space, the ocean often seems invincible. Yet human activity threatens to diminish the myriad services that the ocean provides.

Ocean Industry and Energy

To work toward more environmentally sound management of our oceans, ELI develops law and policy recommendations to reduce user conflict and ensure coordination and cooperation in a multi-use ocean environment. Our work proactively addresses offshore energy development, assures appropriate environmental safeguards for ocean uses, and provides guidance and accountability mechanisms for marine environmental damages. See also our work on marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management.

Marine Spatial Planning & Ecosystem-Based Management

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is an integrated approach that considers entire ecosystems, including people. By considering the connections within and among ecosystems, EBM addresses the cumulative impacts of multiple activities across space and time. This comprehensive, ecological approach strives to ensure the continuance of services people want and need by maintaining healthy and productive ecosystems.

ELI is advancing ecosystem-based ocean and coastal management through innovative projects that focus on developing methods and tools for implementing EBM.

Jay Austin

Jay Austin

Senior Attorney; Editor-in-Chief, Environmental Law Reporter®

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