US Objectives with NOMEC: Enabling Contributions to Seabed 2030

Abstract

Building on Seabed 2030 momentum, in 2020, the United States (US) debuted the National Strategy for Mapping, Exploring, and Characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (NOMEC Strategy). Both initiatives make comprehensive ocean mapping a priority this decade. The goals of Seabed 2030 and NOMEC are similar, but NOMEC goes further. Through NOMEC, the U.S coordinates and amplifies mapping efforts, but also explores and characterizes priority areas of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes waters, advancing understanding of the marine environment. This note highlights key accomplishments of NOMEC over the last two years and presents domestic and international opportunities to progress collaboratively.