An estimated 8 million metric tons (MMT) of plastic waste enters the world's ocean each year - the equivalent of dumping a garbage truck of plastic waste into the ocean every minute. Plastic waste is now found in almost every marine habitat, from the ocean surface to deep sea sediments to the ocean's vast mid-water region, as well as the Great Lakes. This report responds to a request in the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act for a scientific synthesis of the role of the United States both in contributing to and responding to global ocean plastic waste. The United States is a major producer of plastics and in 2016, generated more plastic waste by weight and per capita than any other nation. Although the U.S. solid waste management system is advanced, it is not sufficient to deter leakage into the environment. Reckoning with the U.S. Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste calls for a national strategy by the end of 2022 to reduce the nation's contribution to global ocean plastic waste at every step - from production to its entry into the environment - including by substantially reducing U.S. solid waste generation. This report also recommends a nationally-coordinated and expanded monitoring system to track plastic pollution in order to understand the scales and sources of U.S. plastic waste, set reduction and management priorities, and measure progress. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Plastic Production and Global Trade 3 Plastic Waste and Its Management 4 Physical Transport and Pathways to the Ocean 5 Distribution and Fate of Plastic Waste in the Ocean 6 Tracking and Monitoring Systems for Ocean Plastic Waste 7 Interventions for U.S. Contributions to Global Ocean Plastic Waste References Appendixes Appendix A: Biographies of the Committee on the United States Contributions to Global Ocean Plastic Waste Appendix B: Definitions and Acronyms Appendix C: Legal Framework Appendix D: Estuary Table Appendix E: Global Instruments and Activities Relevant to Ocean Plastic Pollution

Ocean harvests have plateaued worldwide and many important commercial stocks have been depleted. This has caused great concern among scientists, fishery managers, the fishing community, and the public. This book evaluates the major models used for estimating the size and structure of marine fish populations (stock assessments) and changes in populations over time. It demonstrates how problems that may occur in fisheries data--for example underreporting or changes in the likelihood that fish can be caught with a given type of gear--can seriously degrade the quality of stock assessments. The volume makes recommendations for means to improve stock assessments and their use in fishery management.

Many coastal areas of the United States are at risk for tsunamis. After the catastrophic 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, legislation was passed to expand U.S. tsunami warning capabilities. Since then, the nation has made progress in several related areas on both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, NOAA has improved the ability to detect and forecast tsunamis by expanding the sensor network. Other federal and state activities to increase tsunami safety include: improvements to tsunami hazard and evacuation maps for many coastal communities; vulnerability assessments of some coastal populations in several states; and new efforts to increase public awareness of the hazard and how to respond.
Tsunami Warning and Preparedness explores the advances made in tsunami detection and preparedness, and identifies the challenges that still remain. The book describes areas of research and development that would improve tsunami education, preparation, and detection, especially with tsunamis that arrive less than an hour after the triggering event. It asserts that seamless coordination between the two Tsunami Warning Centers and clear communications to local officials and the public could create a timely and effective response to coastal communities facing a pending tsuanami.
According to Tsunami Warning and Preparedness, minimizing future losses to the nation from tsunamis requires persistent progress across the broad spectrum of efforts including: risk assessment, public education, government coordination, detection and forecasting, and warning-center operations. The book also suggests designing effective interagency exercises, using professional emergency-management standards to prepare communities, and prioritizing funding based on tsunami risk.

Regular use of sunscreens has been shown to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, and slow photoaging of skin. Sunscreens can rinse off into water where people are swimming or wading, and can also enter bodies of water through wastewater such as from bathing or showering. As a result, the ultraviolet (UV) filters - the active ingredients in sunscreens that reduce the amount of UV radiation on skin - have been detected in the water, sediment, and animal tissues in aquatic environments. Because the impact of these filters on aquatic ecosystems is not fully understood, assessment is needed to better understand their environmental impacts. This report calls on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct an ecological risk assessment of UV filters to characterize the possible risks to aquatic ecosystems and the species that live in them. EPA should focus on environments more likely to be exposed such as those with heavy recreational use, or where wastewater and urban runoff enter the water. The risk assessment should cover a broad range of species and biological effects and could consider potential interacting effects among UV filters and with other environmental stresses such as climate change. In addition, the report describes the role of sunscreens in preventing skin cancer and what is known about how human health could be affected by potential changes in usage. While the need for a risk assessment is urgent, research is needed to advance understanding of both risks to the environment from UV filters and impacts to human health from changing sunscreen availability and usage. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Introduction to Sunscreens and Their UV Filters 3 Problem Formulation: Sources, Settings, and Ecological Receptors 4 Fate, Transport, and Potential Exposure in the Environment 5 Bioaccumulation and Measured Concentrations of UV Filters in Biota 6 Review of Studies on the Effects of UV Filters in Aquatic Environments 7 Sunscreen, Preventive Health Behaviors, and Implications of Changes in Sunscreen Use for Public Health 8 Conclusions and Recommendations Appendix A: Committee Member Biographies Appendix B: UV Filter Usage Appendix C: UV Filter Water and Sediment Occurrence Data Appendix D: Supplementary Information for Bioaccumulation Appendix E: UV Filter Toxicity Data Tables Appendix F: Studies on Behavioral and Physiological Endpoints on Select Organic UV Filters Appendix G: Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units References

Atlantic salmon in Maine, once abundant but now seriously depleted, were listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in November 2000. The listing covers the wild fish in eight Maine rivers as a single "distinct population segment." The controversy in Maine that accompanied the listing led Congress to request the National Research Council's (NRC's) advice on the science relevant to understanding and reversing the declines in Maine's salmon populations. The charge to the NRC's Committee on Atlantic Salmon in Maine included an interim report focusing on the genetic makeup of Maine Atlantic salmon populations. This is the interim report. Understanding the genetic makeup of Maine's salmon is important for recovery efforts, because the degree to which populations in Maine differ from adjacent populations in Canada and the degree to which populations in different Maine rivers and tributaries differ from each other affect the choice of recovery options that are most likely to be effective. This report focuses only on questions of genetic distinctiveness. The committee's final report will address the broader issues, such as the factors that have caused Maine's salmon populations to decline and the options for helping them to recover.

The sea ice surrounding Antarctica has increased in extent and concentration from the late 1970s, when satellite-based measurements began, until 2015. Although this increasing trend is modest, it is surprising given the overall warming of the global climate and the region. Indeed, climate models, which incorporate our best understanding of the processes affecting the region, generally simulate a decrease in sea ice. Moreover, sea ice in the Arctic has exhibited pronounced declines over the same period, consistent with global climate model simulations. For these reasons, the behavior of Antarctic sea ice has presented a conundrum for global climate change science. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a workshop in January 2016, to bring together scientists with different sets of expertise and perspectives to further explore potential mechanisms driving the evolution of recent Antarctic sea ice variability and to discuss ways to advance understanding of Antarctic sea ice and its relationship to the broader ocean-climate system. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. Table of Contents Front Matter Antarctic Sea Ice Variability in the Southern Ocean-Climate System: Proceedings of a Workshop References Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Definitions of Key Terms Appendix C: Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix D: Workshop Agenda and Participants Appendix E: Invited Speaker Abstracts Appendix F: Biographical Sketches of Planning Committee Members

Marine mammals face a large array of stressors, including loss of habitat, chemical and noise pollution, and bycatch in fishing, which alone kills hundreds of thousands of marine mammals per year globally. To discern the factors contributing to population trends, scientists must consider the full complement of threats faced by marine mammals. Once populations or ecosystems are found to be at risk of adverse impacts, it is critical to decide which combination of stressors to reduce to bring the population or ecosystem into a more favorable state. Assessing all stressors facing a marine mammal population also provides the environmental context for evaluating whether an additional activity could threaten it. Approaches to Understanding the Cumulative Effects of Stressors on Marine Mammals builds upon previous reports to assess current methodologies used for evaluating cumulative effects and identify new approaches that could improve these assessments. This review focuses on ways to quantify exposure-related changes in the behavior, health, or body condition of individual marine mammals and makes recommendations for future research initiatives. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Estimating Exposure and Effects of Sound on Wildlife 3 Current Understanding of Stressors 4 Assessing Interactions Among Stressors 5 Modeling the Population Consequences of Exposure to Multiple Stressors 6 Interactions Among Stressors and Challenges to Understanding Their Cumulative Effects 7 Early Warning Signs of Risk to Populations 8 Approaches to Assess Cumulative Impacts References Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Relevant Laws and Regulations Appendix C: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix D: Glossary

The ocean has absorbed a significant portion of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. This benefits human society by moderating the rate of climate change, but also causes unprecedented changes to ocean chemistry. Carbon dioxide taken up by the ocean decreases the pH of the water and leads to a suite of chemical changes collectively known as ocean acidification. The long term consequences of ocean acidification are not known, but are expected to result in changes to many ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Ocean Acidification: A National Strategy to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Ocean reviews the current state of knowledge, explores gaps in understanding, and identifies several key findings. Like climate change, ocean acidification is a growing global problem that will intensify with continued CO2 emissions and has the potential to change marine ecosystems and affect benefits to society. The federal government has taken positive initial steps by developing a national ocean acidification program, but more information is needed to fully understand and address the threat that ocean acidification may pose to marine ecosystems and the services they provide. In addition, a global observation network of chemical and biological sensors is needed to monitor changes in ocean conditions attributable to acidification. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Chemistry of Seawater 3 Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Physiology ofMarine Organisms 4 Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems 5 Socioeconomic Concerns 6 A National Ocean Acidification Program References Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Acronyms Appendix C: The Effect of Ocean Acidification on Calcification in Calcifying Algae, Corals,and Carbonate-dominated Systems Appendix D: Summary of Research Recommendations from Community-based References

Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (FCMA), managers are required to use the a /best scientific information availablea in the preparation of federal fishery management plans (National Standard 2 in the FCMA). However, the Act provides no further guidance as to how conformance to this standard should be determined. Because adherence to this standard has often been contentious, Congress has considered adding a definition for what constitutes a /best scientific information availablea in the reauthorization of the FCMA. This report examines both the current application and the controversy over the standard and concludes that a legislative definition would be too inflexible to accommodate regional differences and future advances in science and technology. Instead, the report recommends that NOAA Fisheries adopt procedural guidelines to ensure that the scientific information used in the development of fishery management plans is relevant and timely and is the product of processes characterized by inclusiveness, transparency and openness, timeliness, and peer review.

This book describes the development of ocean sciences over the past 50 years, highlighting the contributions of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the field's progress. Many of the individuals who participated in the exciting discoveries in biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and marine geology and geophysics describe in the book how the discoveries were made possible by combinations of insightful individuals, new technology, and in some cases, serendipity. In addition to describing the advance of ocean science, the book examines the institutional structures and technology that made the advances possible and presents visions of the field's future. This book is the first-ever documentation of the history of NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences, how the structure of the division evolved to its present form, and the individuals who have been responsible for ocean sciences at NSF as "rotators" and career staff over the past 50 years. Table of Contents Front Matter Keynote Lecture The Emergence of the National Science Foundation as a Supporter of Ocean Sciences in the United States Landmark Achievements of Ocean Sciences Achievements in Biological Oceanography Achievements in Chemical Oceanography Achievements in Physical Oceanography Achievements in Marine Geology and Geophysics Deep Submergence: The Beginnings of Alvin as a Tool of Basic Research The History of Woods Hole's Deep Submergence Program Creating Institutions to Make Scientific Discoveries Possible A Chronology of the Early Development of Ocean Sciences at NSF Ocean Sciences at the National Sciences Foundation: Early Revolution Ocean Sciences at the National Sciences Foundation: An Administrative History Two Years of Turbulence Leading to a Quarter Century of Cooperation: The Birth of UNOLS Scientific Ocean Drilling, from AMSOC to COMPOST Technology Development for Ocean Sciences at NSF Large and Small Science Programs: A Delicate Balance The Great Importance of "Small" Science Programs The Role of NSF in "Big" Ocean Science: 1950 to 1980 Major Physical Oceanography Programs at NSF: IDOE Through Global Change Major International Programs in Ocean Sciences: Ocean Chemistry Ocean Sciences Today and Tomorrow The Future of Physical Oceanography The Future of Ocean Chemistry in the United States The Future of Marine Geology and Geophysics: A Summary Out Far and In Deep: Shifting Perspectives in Ocean Ecology Global Ocean Science: Toward an Integrated Approach Education in Oceanography: History, Purpose, and Prognosis Evolving Institutional Arrangements for U.S. Ocean Sciences NSF's Commitment to the Deep Fifty Years of Ocean Discovery Argo to ARGO The Importance of Ocean Sciences to Society Appendix A: Symposium Program Appendix B: Symposium Participants Appendix C: Poster Session Appendix D: NSF Division of Ocean Sciences: Senior Science Staff, Rotators, IPAs, and Visiting Sciences Appendix E: Support of Ocean Sciences at NSF from 1966 to 1999 Appendix F: Organizational Charts Appendix G: NRC Project Oversight Appendix H: Acronyms Index Supplementary Pictures

As of 2021, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached historically unprecedented levels, higher than at any time in the past 800,000 years. Worldwide efforts to reduce emissions by creating a more efficient, carbon-free energy system may not be enough to stabilize the climate and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies, which remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere, likely will be needed to meet global climate goals. The ocean, covering 70% of the Earth's surface, includes much of the global capacity for natural carbon sequestration; the ocean also holds great potential for uptake and longerterm sequestration of human-produced CO2. This report builds on previous work from the National Academies to assess what is currently known about the benefits, risks, and potential for responsible scale-up of six specific ocean-based CDR strategies as identified by the sponsor, ClimateWorks Foundation. It describes the research needed to advance understanding of those approaches and address knowledge gaps. The resulting research agenda is meant to provide an improved and unbiased knowledge base for the public, stakeholders, and policymakers to make informed decisions on the next steps for ocean CDR, as part of a larger climate mitigation strategy; it is not meant to lock in or advocate for any particular approach. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Crosscutting Considerations on Ocean-based CDR R&D 3 Nutrient Fertilization 4 Artificial Upwelling and Downwelling 5 Seaweed Cultivation 6 Recovery of Marine Ecosystems 7 Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement 8 Electrochemical Engineering Approaches 9 Synthesis and Research Strategy References Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix A: Committee Biographies Appendix B: Workshop and Meeting Public Presentations to the Committee

In the United States (U.S.), the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, now known as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA), was the first major legislation to regulate federal fisheries in the U.S. Fishery Conservation Zone (later designated as the U.S. exclusive economic zone). The re-authorization of the MSFCMA passed by Congress in 2006 included additional mandates for conserving and rebuilding fish stocks and strengthening the role of scientific advice in fisheries management. Approximately 20% of the fisheries that have been assessed are considered overfished according to the September 2012 stock status Report to Congress prepared by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Overfished refers to a stock that is below the minimum stock size threshold, commonly set to half the stock size at which maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is achieved. Under the provisions of the MSFCMA, rebuilding plans for overfished stocks should take no more than 10 years, except when certain provisions apply. Rebuilding mandates have led to substantial reductions in catch and effort for many fisheries, raising concerns about the consequent social and economic impacts to the fishing communities and industry. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Stock Rebuilding Plans in the United States reviews the technical specifications that underlie current federally-implemented rebuilding plans, and the outcomes of those plans. According to this report, fisheries management has evolved substantially since 1977 when the U.S. extended its jurisdiction to 8 200 miles, in the direction of being more prescriptive and precautionary in terms of preventing overfishing and rebuilding overfished fisheries. However, the trade-offs between precaution and yield have not been fully evaluated. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Stock Rebuilding Plans in the United States discusses the methods and criteria used to set target fishing mortality and biomass levels for rebuilding overfished stocks, and to determine the probability that a particular stock will rebuild by a certain date. This report will be of interest to the fishing industry, ecology professionals, and members of Congress as they debate the renewal of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 U.S. Fisheries Management and the Law 3 Review of Federally Implemented Rebuilding Plans 4 Technical Considerations in Developing Rebuilding Plans 5 Ecosystem Considerations 6 Human Dimensions of Rebuilding 7 Looking Forward References Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: List of Acronyms Appendix C: Time Series Plots

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for collecting information on marine recreational angling. It does so principally through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), a survey program that consists of an in-person survey at fishing access sites and a mail survey, in addition to other complementary or alternative surveys. Data collected from anglers through MRIP supply fisheries managers with essential information for assessing fish stocks. In 2006, the National Research Council provided an evaluation of MRIP's predecessor, the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey (MRFSS). That review, Review of Recreational Fisheries Survey Methods, presented conclusions and recommendations in six categories: sampling issues; statistical estimation issues; human dimensions; program management and support; communication and outreach; and general recommendations. After spending nearly a decade addressing the recommendations, NMFS requested another evaluation of its modified survey program (MRIP). This report, the result of that evaluation, serves as a 10-year progress report. It recognizes the progress that NMFS has made, including major improvements in the statistical soundness of its survey designs, and also highlights some remaining challenges and provides recommendations for addressing them. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Study Design and Estimation Considerations for the MRIP 3 Sampling and Statistical Estimation for the Fishing Effort Survey 4 Sampling and Statistical Estimation for the Angler Intercept Survey 5 Framework for Continued Scientific Evaluation, Review, and Certification 6 Degree of Coordination 7 Communication and Outreach with Stakeholders 8 Plans for Maintaining Continuity References Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Review of Recreational Fisheries Survey Methods (NRC, 2006) Summary Appendix C: Table of National Research Council (2006) Recommendations Appendix D: Excerpt from Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 Appendix E: Survey Instruments Appendix F: 2014 Calibration Workshops Appendix G: Acronym List

Gulf Coast communities and natural resources suffered extensive direct and indirect damage as a result of the largest accidental oil spill in US history, referred to as the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Notably, natural resources affected by this major spill include wetlands, coastal beaches and barrier islands, coastal and marine wildlife, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, commercial fisheries, deep benthos, and coral reefs, among other habitats and species. Losses include an estimated 20% reduction in commercial fishery landings across the Gulf of Mexico and damage to as much as 1,100 linear miles of coastal salt marsh wetlands. This historic spill is being followed by a restoration effort unparalleled in complexity and magnitude in U.S. history. Legal settlements in the wake of DWH led to the establishment of a set of programs tasked with administering and supporting DWH-related restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. In order to ensure that restoration goals are met and money is well spent, restoration monitoring and evaluation should be an integral part of those programs. However, evaluations of past restoration efforts have shown that monitoring is often inadequate or even absent. Effective Monitoring to Evaluate Ecological Restoration in the Gulf of Mexico identifies best practices for monitoring and evaluating restoration activities to improve the performance of restoration programs and increase the effectiveness and longevity of restoration projects. This report provides general guidance for restoration monitoring, assessment, and synthesis that can be applied to most ecological restoration supported by these major programs given their similarities in restoration goals. It also offers specific guidance for a subset of habitats and taxa to be restored in the Gulf including oyster reefs, tidal wetlands, and seagrass habitats, as well as a variety of birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary Part I: General Principles of Effective Monitoring and Evaluation 1 Introduction 2 Gulf Restoration Programs 3 Restoration Project Monitoring 4 Monitoring Beyond the Project Scale or Duration 5 Data Stewardship 6 Synthesis and Integration 7 How Monitoring Improves Restoration Effectiveness Part I References Part II: Good Practices for Monitoring Restoration of Selected Habitats and Species of Concern Introduction Oyster Reef Restoration Monitoring Tidal Wetland Restoration Monitoring Seagrass Restoration Monitoring Bird Restoration Monitoring Sea Turtle Restoration Monitoring Marine Mammal Restoration Monitoring Appendix A: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Glossary

Through direct exploration of the subseafloor, U.S.-supported scientific ocean drilling programs have significantly contributed to a broad range of scientific accomplishments in Earth science disciplines, shaping understanding of Earth systems and enabling new fields of inquiry. Scientific Ocean Drilling: Accomplishments and Challenges reviews the scientific accomplishments of U.S.-supported scientific ocean drilling over the past four decades. The book evaluates how the programs (Deep Sea Drilling Project [DSDP], 1968-1983, Ocean Drilling Program [ODP], 1984-2003, and Integrated Ocean Drilling Program [IODP], 2003-2013) have shaped understanding of Earth systems and Earth history and assessed the role of scientific ocean drilling in enabling new fields of inquiry. This book also assesses the potential for transformative discoveries for the next proposed phase of scientific ocean drilling, which is scheduled to run from 2013 to 2023. The programs' technological innovations have played a strong role in these accomplishments. The science plan for the proposed 2013-2023 program presents a strong case for the continuation of scientific ocean drilling. Each of the plan's four themes identifies compelling challenges with potential for transformative science that could only be addressed through scientific ocean drilling, although some challenges appear to have greater potential than others. Prioritizing science plan challenges and integrating multiple objectives into single expeditions would help use resources more effectively, while encouraging technological innovations would continue to increase the potential for groundbreaking science. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction to U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling 2 Scientific Accomplishments: Solid Earth Cycles 3 Scientific Accomplishments: Fluids, Flow, and Life in the Subseafloor 4 Scientific Accomplishments: Earth's Climate History 5 Education, Outreach, and Capacity Building 6 Assessment of Illuminating Earth's Past, Present, and Future: The International Ocean Discovery Program Science Plan for 2013-2023 References A DSDP, ODP, and IODP Legs and Expeditions B Committee and Staff Biographies C Workshop White Papers D Acronyms

Although the ocean-and the resources within-seem limitless, there is clear evidence that human impacts such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution disrupt marine ecosystems and threaten the long-term productivity of the seas. Declining yields in many fisheries and decay of treasured marine habitats, such as coral reefs, has heightened interest in establishing a comprehensive system of marine protected areas (MPAs)-areas designated for special protection to enhance the management of marine resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need to evaluate how MPAs can be employed in the United States and internationally as tools to support specific conservation needs of marine and coastal waters. Marine Protected Areas compares conventional management of marine resources with proposals to augment these management strategies with a system of protected areas. The volume argues that implementation of MPAs should be incremental and adaptive, through the design of areas not only to conserve resources, but also to help us learn how to manage marine species more effectively. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary Introduction Conservation Goals Conventional Management of Marine Fisheries Societal Values of Marine Reserves and Protected Areas Empirical and Modeling Studies of Marine Reserves Design Monitoring, Research, and Modeling Historical Background and Evaluation of Marine Protected Areas in the United Sates Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix A: Acronyms Appendix B: Glossary Appendix C: Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix D: Meeting Agendas Appendix E: Presidential Executive Order Regarding Marine Protected Areas in the United States Appendix F: IUCN Protected Area Categories System Appendix G: Description of Studies Estimating Marine Reserve Area Requirements Index

Environmental information is important for successful planning and execution of naval operations. A thorough understanding of environmental variability greatly increases the likelihood of mission success. To ensure that naval forces have the most up-to-date capabilities, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) has an extensive environmental research program. This research, to be of greatest use to the warfighter, needs to be directed towards assisting and solving battlefield problems. To increase research community understanding of the operational demands placed on naval operators and to facilitate discussion between these two groups, the National Research Council's (NRC) Ocean Studies Board (OSB), working with ONR and the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, convened five previous symposia on tactical oceanography.
"Oceanography and Mine Warfare" examines the following issues: (1) how environmental data are used in current mine warfare doctrine, (2) current procedures for in situ collection of data, (3) the present capabilities of the Navy's oceanographic community to provide supporting information for mine warfare operations, and (4) the ability of oceanographic research and technology developments to enhance current mine warfare capabilities. This report primarily concentrates on the importance of oceanographic data for mine countermeasures.

What can sharks teach us about our immune system? What can horseshoe crabs show us about eyesight? The more we learn about the ocean, the more we realize how critical these vast bodies of water are to our health and well-being. Sometimes the ocean helps us, as when a marine organism yields a new medical treatment. At other times, the ocean poses the threat of coastal storm surges or toxic algal blooms. From Monsoons to Microbes offers a deeper look into the oceans that surround us, often nurturing yet sometimes harming humankind. This book explores the links among physical oceanography, public health, epidemiology, marine biology, and medicine in understanding what the ocean has to offer. It will help readers grasp such important points as: How the ocean's sweeping physical processes create long-term phenomena such as El Nino and short-term disastrous events such as tsunamis?including what communities can do to prepare. What medicines and nutritional products have come from the ocean and what the prospects are for more such discoveries. How estuaries work?where salt and fresh water meet?and what can go wrong, as in the 7,000 square mile "dead zone" at the out-flow of the Mississippi River. How the growing demand for seafood and the expansion of ocean-going transport has increased our exposure to infectious agents?and how these agents can be tracked down and fought. Why "red tides" of toxic algae suddenly appear in previously unaffected coastal areas, and what happens when algal toxins find their way into our food supply or the air we breathe. The book recommends ways we can implement exciting new technologies to monitor the physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean to recognize change as it happens. From the impact of worldwide atmospheric warming to the significance of exotic bacteria from submarine hydrothermal vents, the ocean has many depths left to explore. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary Introduction 1 Climate and Weather, Coastal Hazards, and Public Health 2 Oceans and Infectious Diseases 3 Harmful Algal Blooms 4 Marine-Derived Pharmaceuticals and Related Bioactive Agents 5 Marine Organisms as Models for Biomedical Research Literature Cited Appendix A: Committee Biographies Appendix B: Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix C: Workshop Program Index Color Plates

The San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary is a large, complex estuarine ecosystem in California. It has been substantially altered by dikes, levees, channelization, pumps, human development, introduced species, dams on its tributary streams and contaminants. The Delta supplies water from the state's wetter northern regions to the drier southern regions and also serves as habitat for many species, some of which are threatened and endangered. The restoration of water exacerbated tensions over water allocation in recent years, and have led to various attempts to develop comprehensive plans to provide reliable water supplies and to protect the ecosystem. One of these plans is the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP).
The report, "A Review of the Use of Science and Adaptive Management in California's Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan, " determines that the plan is incomplete in a number of important areas and takes this opportunity to identify key scientific and structural gaps that, if addressed, could lead to a more successful and comprehensive final BDCP. The plan is missing the type of structure usually associated with current planning methods in which the goals and objectives are specified, alternative measure for achieving the objectives are introduced and analyzed, and a course of action in identified based on analytical optimization of economic, social, and environmental factors. Yet the panel underscores the importance of a credible and a robust BDCP in addressing the various water management problems that beset the Delta. A stronger, more complete, and more scientifically credible BDCP that effectively integrates and utilizes science could indeed pave the way toward the next generation of solutions to California's chronic water problems.

U.S. mariculture production of bivalve molluscs-those cultivated in the marine environment-has roughly doubled over the last 25 years. Although mariculture operations may expand the production of seafood without additional exploitation of wild populations, they still depend upon and affect natural ecosystems and ecosystem services. Every additional animal has an incremental effect arising from food extraction and waste excretion. Increasing domestic seafood production in the United States in an environmentally and socially responsible way will likely require the use of policy tools, such as best management practices (BMPs) and performance standards.
BMPs represent one approach to protecting against undesirable consequences of mariculture. An alternative approach to voluntary or mandatory BMPs is the establishment of performance standards for mariculture. Variability in environmental conditions makes it difficult to develop BMPs that are sufficiently flexible and adaptable to protect ecosystem integrity across a broad range of locations and conditions. An alternative that measures performance in sustaining key indicators of ecosystem state and function may be more effective. Because BMPs address mariculture methods rather than monitoring actual ecosystem responses, they do not guarantee that detrimental ecosystem impacts will be controlled or that unacceptable impact will be avoided.
Ecosystem Concepts for Sustainable Bivalve Mariculture finds that while performance standards can be applied for some broad ecosystem indicators, BMPs may be more appropriate for addressing parameters that change from site to site, such as the species being cultured, different culture methods, and various environmental conditions. This book takes an in-depth look at the environmental, social, and economic issues to present recommendations for sustainable bivalve mariculture.

All six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters are listed as endangered or threatened, but the exact population sizes of these species are unknown due to a lack of key information regarding birth and survival rates. The U.S. Endangered Species Act prohibits the hunting of sea turtles and reduces incidental losses from activities such as shrimp trawling and development on beaches used for nesting. However, current monitoring does not provide enough information on sea turtle populations to evaluate the effectiveness of these protective measures. Sea Turtle Status and Trends reviews current methods for assessing sea turtle populations and finds that although counts of sea turtles are essential, more detailed information on sea turtle biology, such as survival rates and breeding patterns, is needed to predict and understand changes in populations in order to develop successful management and conservation plans. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Units of Assessment 3 Conceptual Model of Sea-Turtle Abundance and Demography 4 Abundance and Trends 5 Demographic Rates 6 Integrating Demographic Information with Abundance Estimates 7 Cross-Cutting Issues:Data, Education, Permits, and Coordination 8 Conclusions and Recommendations References A Brief History of Alternative Genetic Markers B Population-Structure Models C Committee and Staff Biographies

The North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) was established by Congress in 1997 to recommend marine research activities to the Secretary of Commerce on or relating to the fisheries or marine ecosystem in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, Arctic Ocean, and related bodies of water. NPRB called on the National Academies to develop a comprehensive long range science plan pertaining to its research activities. This assistance has been provided in two phases. In phase one, beginning in early 2003, a National Academies committee worked to understand the purpose of the NPRB, gather information to help identify research needs, and provide advice on the components of a sound science plan. The committee's assessment is contained in a report released in early 2004, Elements of a Science Plan for the North Pacific Research Board. With this guidance as a tool, the NPRB staff, Science Panel, and Advisory Panel worked together to write a draft science plan to steer the program in the coming decade. During the second phase, the same committee reviewed the NPRB's draft science plan and provided final feedback to the NPRB. It is a focused review, generally following the organization of the NPRB document. This report is intended primarily as a direct communication from the committee to those planning the NPRB's programs, to help them improve the science plan and ensure successful implementation. Table of Contents Front Matter Introduction to the North Pacific Research Board and the Purpose of this Report General Committee Comments on the NPRB Draft Science Plan Comments on NPRB Draft Science Plan - Chapter 1 Comments on NPRB Draft Science Plan - Chapter 2 Comments on NPRB Draft Science Plan - Chapter 3 Comments on NPRB Draft Science Plan - Chapter 4 Comments on NPRB Draft Science Plan - Chapter 5 References A Committee on a Science Plan for the North Pacific Research Board Statement of Task difficulties and pitfalls. B Elements of a Science Plan for the North Pacific Research Board: Interim Report Executive Summary C Committee and Staff Biographies