Center's mission
The center's mission is to provide service to NOAA as a model extramural science program that provides knowledge required for the wise use of the nation's marine environment and resources. More specific program objectives include:
- Provide undersea technology to scientists, safely and effectively, for studies of the nation's Exclusive Economic Zone, from the coasts to the deep sea
- Address regional and national science needs and concerns by directing research towards the most relevant problems facing the marine environment
- Enhance public awareness of the problems and solutions facing our coastal oceans and resources by sharing knowledge through education, hands-on experience and training, and access to the products of center research
- Establish partnerships with NOAA, academia, and other ocean-related agencies and programs to enhance program resources, efficiency and the relevance of center research