Your connection to the ocean is profound and complex.

We rely on the world’s oceans for our fisheries, energy, recreation, transportation, and our sense of connection to the natural world. But coastal and marine environments face increasing challenges from climate change, overuse, and pollution. The field of marine affairs involves building relationships, drawing information from multiple disciplines, and creating a clear overview so that communities can protect our oceans, and ensure human well-being.

The Marine Affairs Department at the University of Rhode Island was the first program of its kind in the nation, and is recognized as one of the most important. Our pioneering faculty have played a critical historical role in the development of coastal and ocean management programs in the U.S. and abroad, and their research attracts scholars and students from around the world.

Academics

Find out what makes our programs unique

Research

Our faculty contributes to important research in R.I. and around the world

Diversity

How we work towards justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity

News

URI marks 50th anniversary of Marine Affairs graduate program, first in the world

In 1970, the University of Rhode Island became the first academic institution in the world to create a graduate program in ocean and coastal policy, management, and law.

• Prof. Becker part of new NSF Award team focusing on coastal resilience -
• MAF welcomes Assistant Professor Mateja Nenadovic! - The Department of Marine Affairs is excited to welcome a new Asst. Prof. of Fisheries Policy and Management to the department this fall! Dr. Mateja Nenadovic is an interdisciplinary scientist with a keen interest in understanding the fisheries governance arrangements that lead to sustainable and resilient social and ecological outcomes, as well as the conditions […]
• MAF students & faculty featured in “Diverse Stories” event -