Dr. Mark E. Monaco is a practicing scientist and manager in the field of coastal and marine spatial ecology and planning in support of ecosystem-based management. Dr. Monaco’s science leadership, research, and assessment portfolio has focused on delivering management relevant science for the conservation, protection, and restoration of coastal and marine resources. He has extensive experience in coastal and ocean planning to define and evaluate marine protected area boundaries, and marine spatial modeling and assessments designed to minimize conflicts among ocean users when locating ocean industries. Over his 41-year career in NOAA, he has held multiple science leadership positions including serving as the Director of the National Center for Coastal Ocean Science Center Coastal Monitoring & Assessment and as the Chief of the NCCOS Marine Spatial Ecology Division. He is currently the Senior Scientist for Coastal and Ocean Ecosystems in NOAA’s Ocean Service.