Enhancing public and private partnerships through undersea exploration outreach and education

Marine science education and outreach offers a unique opportunity to build beneficial partnerships between the public and private sectors. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is committed to building and improving current efforts to link scientific research with effective education and outreach. Using case studies from the National Undersea Research Program, Office of Ocean Exploration, National Marine Sanctuary Program, and National Sea Grant College Program, we provide a commentary on current efforts to engage the private sector in these efforts. We explore why these efforts have been valuable in achieving not only NOAA´s mission, but also the goals of different members of the private sector.