Managing Offshore Resources: The Next 20 Years

The exploitation and protection of offshore resources over the next twenty years is forecast as the leading edge of a new "marine economy." This term denotes the seaward expansion of economic activities to the extent that land and oceans are no longer functionally distinguishable. Next this paper identifies the key elements of a policy process at the national or interdepartmental level that can best promote enlightened U.S. national interests. These four are forecasting, goals analysis, impact evaluation, and strategic memory. Finally, a strategic management center is recommended to coordinate national policy in marine law enforcement as the United States enters the era of the marine economy.