Solutions for a Healthy Ocean

Both the Pew Oceans Commission and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy called for substantial reforms in U.S. ocean policy. In order to restore and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems—systems that can meet the public's demands for healthy seafood, clean beaches, stable fisheries, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coastal communities—the Ocean Commissions strongly recommended the adoption of ecosystem-based management (EBM). An ecosystem-based approach to management serves as an umbrella under which COMPASS' other focus areas, marine reserves and sustainable aquaculture, are included. COMPASS is uniquely positioned to advance and facilitate the communication of the newest science on these topics to policy-makers, managers, the media, and the general public. While COMPASS focuses on these issue areas, we also work at a broader level, increasing scientists’ ability to communicate new, conservation-relevant research developments in a variety of fields.

See below for more information on these main resource areas.

Ecosystem-Based Management

Ecosystem-based management is an integrated approach that focuses on restoring and maintaining ecosystems in healthy, productive, and resilient conditions such that they can provide the ecosystem services that humans want and need.

Marine Reserves

As one type of marine protected area, marine reserves are areas where extractive activities are completely and permanently excluded. Reserves are a key tool for area-based management, and when used in conjunction with other marine resource management mechanisms, they can help to ensure the continued protection of marine ecosystems.

Sustainable Aquaculture

Aquaculture is likely to play a critical role in meeting the increasing global demand for seafood. As aquaculture production continues to grow, it is important to ensure that aquaculture practices are sustainable and are guided by ecosystem-based management principles.