The development, coordination, and implementation of foreign affairs aspects of U.S. oceans, Arctic, and Antarctic policy – which includes the law of the sea, freedom of navigation and overflight, marine science, the extended continental shelf, ​marine mammals, protection of the marine environment, and maritime claims and boundaries – are critical to our continued economic and national security.

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We must improve maritime security to protect the United States from terrorism and other criminal threats, as well as secure and protect freedom of navigation and maritime commerce. Moreover, we must fully support marine scientific research; protect the marine environment from pollution and other anthropogenic threats; and promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.