About OCM

The federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 authorized a voluntary partnership between the federal government and coastal states to address national coastal issues with a local focus.  The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program (LCRP) was approved in 1980, and is a cooperative program with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program is administered by the Department of Energy and Natural Resources through the Office of Coastal Management (OCM). The primary authority for the LCRP is the State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978 (SLCRMA), as amended (Act 361, La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq). The law seeks to encourage multiple uses of resources and adequate economic growth while minimizing adverse impacts of one resource use upon another without imposing undue restrictions on any user. 

The OCM regulates development activities and manages the resources of the Coastal Zone, especially those which have a direct and significant impact on coastal waters. It is the function of Office of Coastal Management, through its staff, to maintain, protect, develop, and restore or enhance the invaluable coastal region of the state of Louisiana.

In addition, the OCM participates in the Coastal Zone Enhancement Program under Section 309 of the CZMA to enhance the LCRP within nine key areas: wetlands, coastal hazards, public access, marine debris, cumulative and secondary impacts, special area management planning, ocean and Great Lakes resources, energy and government facility siting, and aquaculture.

Laws and Policy Documents

Current Coastal Zone Enhancement Program Initiatives

309 Assessment and Strategy for 2021-2025

Historical Coastal Zone Enhancement Program Initiatives

Reassessing the Coastal Zone Boundary (2012)

Study on Coastal Use Activities Affecting Cheniers and Natural Ridges (2009)

Archived GIS Data