A strategic alliance advancing policy and investment in maritime commerce, ocean science, and technology.
The Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE°) is a strategic alliance and digital platform created by Northeast Maritime Institute to advance policy, investment, and collaboration across maritime commerce, ocean science, and technology.
Through a safe and transparent digital platform, COPE° brings together individuals and organizations from across the maritime, ocean, policy, academic, governmental, nonprofit, and commercial sectors to address complex maritime and ocean challenges. Participants may include maritime professionals, researchers, educators, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, technology developers, environmental specialists, and representatives from civil society.
This cross-sector approach allows COPE° to examine issues from multiple perspectives and support practical initiatives that connect policy, economic development, innovation, and responsible ocean use. Through working groups, research, publications, events, and project development, COPE° helps turn dialogue into action and identify pathways for strengthening maritime systems, ocean economies, coastal communities, and the future of ocean use.
What We Do
COPE° serves as a collaborative environment where experts and institutions can examine complex issues, exchange knowledge, and develop practical outputs.
Work carried out by COPE° includes:
- Convening working groups around priority maritime and ocean issues
- Developing white papers, articles, and policy-focused publications
- Hosting webinars, discussions, and public-facing events
- Supporting project concepts and collaborative initiatives
- Connecting stakeholders across sectors, disciplines, and regions
The goal is not only to discuss maritime and ocean challenges, but to support work that can inform policy, guide investment, and contribute to measurable progress.
Areas of Influence
COPE° organizes its work across key areas of influence that reflect the interconnected nature of maritime and ocean challenges — including the “wicked problems” that cross sectors, disciplines, jurisdictions, and communities. These focus areas guide COPE°’s working groups, publications, events, and project development activities, helping frame complex challenges in ways that support practical dialogue, collaboration, and action.
Working Groups
COPE° Working Groups provide a structured way for participants to collaborate on specific maritime and ocean issues. Each working group brings together individuals with relevant expertise to identify challenges, share perspectives, and develop practical outputs such as white papers, webinars, policy discussions, research initiatives, and project concepts. Working groups are designed to be flexible, collaborative, and action-oriented.
Joining COPE°
Are you interested in getting involved in COPE°? Please fill out the following form to begin the application process.
