Oceans (NOAA)Our ocean and coasts affect us — and we affect them. Almost 40 percent of the country’s population lives in coastal shoreline counties. These counties contribute $9 trillion to the U.S. economy. Climate change, sea-level rise, more intense storms, and population growth are all challenges for our coastal communities. The National Ocean Service helps decision-makers find solutions. We are the nation’s leader in observing, measuring, assessing, protecting, and managing coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes areas.