Coastal Services Center

Many federal agencies play a role in the management of coastal areas. Although you may have an awareness of the role the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play in such areas as pollution abatement, marine conservation, and wetlands management, many other agencies conduct projects and have responsibilities within state coastal zones.

Coastal managers and workers can be involved in a variety of projects, programs, and controversies involving permitting, wetlands, right-of-way issues, commercial development, etc. Even though it is impossible to remember all the details of just who does what, it is important to have an understanding of just how many federal agencies come into play depending on the situation.