Marine Policy & Law

This program studies how marine policies and laws impact humans as well as understanding how human behavior affects coastal and ocean ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the interaction of coastal and marine constituencies and policy.

The purpose of the Marine Policy and Law Program is to focus on the intersection between public policy/law and the natural and social sciences.  We examine important and timely topics such as planning for resilient coastal communities; more effectively managing offshore energy resources and dealing with energy-related infrastructure once its productive life is over; working with partners in Mexico and Cuba to address transboundary environmental issues in a cooperative and sustainable fashion; and improving our understanding how human behavior affects coastal and ocean ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on examining the interaction of coastal and marine constituencies and policy makers of the Gulf of Mexico Region to improve the application of science to policy and enhance effective management of resources.