NOAA By the Numbers Topics
Ocean Energy and Mining
The ocean is an important source of mineral and hydrocarbon energy resources. There are active efforts underway in the U.S. and globally to develop ocean-based renewable energy and exploit deep seabed minerals. NOAA’s expertise is essential as we search the ocean for new sources of energy. Our fleet of research ships and innovative underwater exploration vehicles enhance NOAA’s ocean research and exploration initiatives.
NOAA's Role
- NOAA maps the seafloor to develop and update nautical charts, inform coastal zone management, and characterize habitats, among many other uses of the data. Seafloor mapping data can also be used to help identify critical mineral deposits.
- NOAA provides foundational information and services to support renewable and conventional energy siting and operations. This includes information ranging from forecasting winds and the onset of storms to the timing and location of endangered whale migrations. Through research pilots and partnerships, NOAA also works closely with federal partners and industry.
- U.S. engagement in seabed mining is regulated by the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), which is administered by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management. DSHMRA covers the exploration for and commercial recovery of polymetallic nodules by US companies in areas beyond national jurisdiction. A conservative estimate indicates 21.1 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules are contained in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the central Pacific Ocean.
- NOAA is a vice chair of the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) Project. The ECS is that portion of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from shore. The mission of this project is to establish the full extent of the U.S. continental shelf, consistent with international law.
Why It Matters:
Ocean mining and minerals
- In 2023, offshore mining was the second largest contributor to overall growth of the marine economy, just behind coastal and offshore tourism and recreation. Offshore mining generated $96.0 billion in gross output (revenue) and created $62.9 billion in value added or gross domestic product (GDP) activity. Oil and gas extraction accounted for $60.0 billion of the value added, and sand and gravel extraction accounted for $2.4 billion. – U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2025). “Marine Economy Satellite Account, 2023”. https://www.bea.gov/data/special-topics/marine-economy
Conventional Utilities
- In 2023, coastal power generation plants generated $18.2 billion in gross output (revenue) and created $11.9 billion in value added (GDP) activity. – U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2025). “Marine Economy Satellite Account, 2023”. https://www.bea.gov/data/special-topics/marine-economy