The current and potential benefits of using geographic information systems (GIS) to support state-level and regional-scale ocean management in the United States are evaluated. Specifically, the role of GIS in facilitating improved integration of management strategies for a variety of resource use issues across multiple management jurisdictions is examined, along with the potential of GIS to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of ocean management efforts. Barriers and limitations to the development and use of ocean GIS are also analyzed. A background discussion of the U.S. ocean management policy framework and the use of GIS in natural resource management is included to provide the reader with appropriate context for the study. A broad survey of relevant ocean management, GIS, and coastal resource agency publications, along with nation-wide interviews of coastal managers and GIS professionals, provide the basis of the evaluation. Information collected in the research process is compiled into state-by-state profiles for 23 U.S. coastal states, with more in-depth case studies presented for Florida, Maine, and a regional GIS initiative pertaining to the states of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The following are recognized as principal conclusions of the evaluation: state-level interest and institutional capacity for ocean resource management are increasing, state and federal management agencies often have different resource management strategies and information requirements, state-level technical capacity to develop and use GIS is substantial and constantly increasing, GIS provides recognizable current and potential benefits to ocean management efforts, GIS fosters enhanced integration, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of ocean management efforts, and significant financial, institutional, and technical limitations currently impede the development of ocean GIS. In light of these conclusions, recommendations are offered to support state and regional-level ocean GIS initiatives
