ABSTRACT
The private sector is the primary ocean user and is best placed to develop and implement the practices needed to ensure marine ecosystem use is sustainable, and an increasing number of companies and industry associations are tackling the environmental effects of their ocean activities. The World Ocean Council (WOC) is a business association for ocean sustainability, science and stewardship. Membership is open to dues-paying companies and affiliated organizations that subscribe to the WOC Membership Statement. Committees are formed to work on Council priority issues and goals, by developing and implementing 2-year work plans. The committees inform and recommend to the Council how best to approach regional problems and to coordinate activities. In addition, working groups are convened to take on specific projects and develop recommendations for approval by the Council. Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) values and benefits from having close and collaborative relationships with other regional organizations.
