Public and Tribal Engagement

Public Engagement: 

The NOMEC Council recognizes that public input into implementing the NOMEC Strategy must be iterative and sustained to foster best results. As directed by the NOMEC Strategy, the Council convenes an annual ocean mapping and exploration forum. Attendees include Federal, State and Territorial agencies, Tribal Nations, private industry, academic, and private constituents with diverse backgrounds, sectors, and interests. 

The NOMEC Implementation Plan outlines numerous opportunities for stakeholders across all sectors to provide input in planning and implementing the NOMEC Strategy goals to map, characterize, and explore the U.S. EEZ. There will be ongoing opportunities for public input through Federal Advisory Committees, Requests for Information, workshops, listening sessions, and other forums. In addition to the traditional outreach methods, the NOMEC Council creates and showcases an expanded model for collaboration that includes greater participation from non-Federal entities in the process. Opportunities for cross-sector partnerships are pursued through a variety of mechanisms, including research partnerships, prizes and competitions, and innovative funding mechanisms. Through more frequent and varied avenues for public input, the NOMEC Implementation Plan will remain adaptable and agile to respond to partner needs and feedback.

Tribal Engagement

The NOMEC Council recognizes that government-to-government engagement with Tribal Nations and public input processes must be iterative and sustained to foster meaningful partnerships. The first NOMEC Tribal Listening Session was held in January of 2021, and NOMEC continues to engage with Tribal Nations on the implementation of the NOMEC Strategy.

NOAA Tribal Resources and Updates                                  USGS Tribal Resources and Updates

BOEM Tribal Resources and Updates                                  BSEE Tribal Resources and Updates

NASA Tribal Resources and Updates                                    NSF Tribal Resources and Updates

Upcoming Events:

  • NOMEC will be at the Ocean Sciences 2024 Conference offsite link in New Orleans, LA. Come find us!
    • Town Hall Title: The U.S. National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization Council Wants to Hear from You: Join a Town Hall to Hear Updates on Federal Ocean Mapping and Exploration Efforts, and Share Your Feedback on the Direction of Our Ocean Science Efforts
      Town Hall Number: TH43O
      Date and Time: Thursday, 22 February 2024: 12:45 - 13:45 CST
      Location: Convention Center, Room: 206-207, Second Floor 

Past Events

Publications

Features a Magazine Spread of the NOMEC Article, images include the map of unmapped waters, overlaid by an image of a ROV launch and the cover page of the ECO Mazing edition.
(Image credit: ECO Magazine)