Marine Habitats

Enhancing management of ocean ecosystems that extend across borders

Water Quality

Advancing regional-scale efforts for healthy, clean ocean waters

Coastal Communities and Economies

Building knowledge and preparation for ocean and coastal changes

Environmentally Responsible Marine Development

Sharing data, stakeholder perspectives for improved decision-making

About MARCO

MARCO is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean, formed in 2009 by a governors’ agreement among New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

MARCO Partnership Opportunities

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal

The Portal is an ocean planning resource center featuring the Marine Planner, an interactive mapping tool.

Check out the latest Portal News & Updates!

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee

The Mid-A OPC is a committee established by MARCO to foster collaboration among states, federal agencies, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and federally recognized tribes, and to engage stakeholders.

News & Updates

An image of a blue crab overlooking Baltimore Harbor with text reading: Save the Date The Seventh Annual MID-ATLANTIC OCEAN FORUM MAY 6-7, 2025 | Baltimore, MD

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum

Thank you for helping make this year’s event a success! Visit the Forum page soon for presentation videos and other event resources.

Large assemblages of acanthogorgid-like corals on rocks at 500 meters in Wilmington Canyon. Note the white plastic bag entangled in the corals

How Microplastics Impact Marine Species and Habitats

June 9 | 2 p.m. EST

Join our webinar to learn about the effects microplastics have on the animals and environments they pass through and interact with.

A closeup view of the ocean surface.

How Microplastics Transfer Through the Marine Food Chain

Watch our March 28 webinar to learn about Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean research, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration.

A diagram illustrating how ocean acidification occurs

MACAN Educational Video Series

This four-part series will introduce you to the sources of coastal and ocean acidification, its impacts on coastal habitats, fisheries, and livelihoods, and the technology scientists are developing to monitor acidification and remove carbon dioxide from the ocean.

An image of a tidal marsh at sunset with text reading: Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation Summit October 1-3, 2024 Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation Symposium

Thanks to all who participated in this year’s event. Click here to view videos of the panels and presentations.