The Ocean Studies Board serves as the focal point within the National Research Council on a wide range of issues of related to ocean science, engineering, and policy. In addition to exercising leadership within the ocean community, the Ocean Studies Board organizes and oversees studies at the request of federal agencies, Congress, or other sponsors; or upon its own initiative that explore the science, policies, and infrastructure needed to understand and protect coastal and marine environments and resources.

About Boards
Boards consist of experts appointed to staggered terms supported by dedicated staff. Boards typically meet two-three times per years and serve as the subject area focal point for the Academy in its advisory capacity. Boards serve as an invaluable resource to identify important new developments in their field, to help frame statements of task, and to identify potential committee members.

Reports from the Academies provide independent, expert evaluation of an issue. Each report is produced by a committee of experts selected by the Academy to address a particular statement of task. The experts volunteer their time and are vetted to make sure the committee has the range of expertise needed to address the task and a balance of perspectives, and that there are no members with conflicts of interest. All reports undergo a rigorous, independent peer review to ensure that the statement of task has been addressed, that conclusions are adequately supported, and that all important issues raised by the reviewers are addressed. Thus, while the reports represent views of the committee, they also are endorsed by the Academies.

At any given time, dozens of studies are underway to address specific issues in Earth & Life Studies that will lead to reports. These studies range in scope and length: some rapidly address questions to meet immediate decision making needs, while others deal with broader or ongoing issues and can span a number of years.

The Board hosts many workshops, symposia, and other meetings that provide information or bring together policy-makers, members of industry, scientists, and the general public to discuss timely issues. Discussions at workshops and other events are often published in workshop summaries, websites, newsletters, and other formats to preserve and make publicly accessible the information or discussions from the event.

Through workshops, symposia, and other meetings (either as part of our studies or as separate activities), the Board serves as a hub for exchange among policy-makers, members of industry, scientists, and the general public to discuss timely issues.