Marine Systems

Marine Systems are complex physical, chemical, and biological interactions that provide important resources for people, commerce, transportation, and recreation. They are highly interconnected, dynamic, and interdependent ecosystems, encompassing oceans, coasts, estuaries, and rivers. Marine Systems provide essential services to humans, including food, raw materials, energy, transport and communications, and recreation. The condition of these systems holds a tremendous importance to human health, economic prosperity and quality of life. Conservation and management of Marine Systems is essential to maintaining their role as a productive, resilient, and healthy environment.