Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP)

The Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP) was formed to advise the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC) and is called on to provide independent recommendations to Federal Government. From 2006-2011, the ORAP operated as the Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel (ORRAP). The Panel returned to its original name, ORAP, in 2011. The National Ocean Council Deputy-level Committee has assumed the duties of the statutorily mandated NORLC. Membership of ORAP is comprised of individuals from the National Academies, state government, academia, and ocean industries, representing marine science, marine policy, and other related fields. The ORAP is an advisory committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and is the only FACA body chartered to advise all the “ocean agencies.”

On July 19, 2010, the President released Executive Order 13547, adopting the final recommendations of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, which specifically designates ORAP to “provide independent advice and guidance” to the Cabinet-level National Ocean Council.

Additional information about the Panel and its responsibilities can be found in the ORAP Charter, our Publications & Reports section, and the official FACA ORAP website.