Seaports with access to Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems (PORTS®) data move vessels and their cargo more safely and efficiently, and this measure tracks the number of top U.S. seaports that have access to PORTS® data. To create a list of the Nation’s top 175 seaports, NOS selected the top 152 ports by international tonnage, accounting for more than 99.9% of all direct imports and exports by tonnage in 2016. NOS added to this list 23 seaports that are critical to coastal military installations, the Nation’s energy supply, or commercial marine fisheries landings.

The Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) supports jobs for American workers and strengthens U.S. economic and national security by facilitating U.S. exports and inward investment. In fiscal years (FY) 2020 and 2021, ITA will increase the dollar value of U.S. exports and inward investment facilitated by 10 percent annually, while ensuring that over 75 percent of U.S. exporter clients assisted are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) audits select a random sample of consignments to a target statistical validity. Each consignment is audited for completeness and verified accuracy of documentation. Once this evaluation is complete, any concern with the consignment is forwarded to the Office of Law Enforcement for further investigation. This measure shows the percentage of audited consignments with documentation that is sufficiently complete and verified accurate to not warrant further investigation.

The formula-driven calculation projects investment data at 3, 6, and 9 year intervals from the investment award. The formula is based on a study done by Rutgers University, which compiled and analyzed the performance of EDA construction investments after 9 years. This approach was reviewed and validated by third-party analysis conducted by Grant Thornton in 2008. Based on this formula and a review of EDA's historical results, EDA estimates that 40% of the 9-year projection would be realized after 3 years, 75% after 6 years, and 100% after 9 years.

This measure tracks the number of protected species stocks for which adequate assessments are available. Assessments are vital to determine the scientific basis for supporting and evaluating the impact of management actions. To be deemed adequate, assessments must be based on recent quantitative or qualitative analysis sufficient to determine current stock status based on a variety of data category levels (e.g., life history, threats, stock structure, assessment quality, assessment frequency, and abundance), and conservation status. Stock status projections are highly dependent on survey frequencies, assessment time frames, and fiscal constraints. This measure covers the protected species stocks covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) or listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The number of such stocks continues to increase as new species are listed and as new stocks of listed species and marine mammals are identified— the latter typically indicates increased knowledge about population stock structure.

The National Ocean Acidification Observing Network (NOA-ON) is comprised of a suite of sensor assets. Each sensor tracks the daily cycle of ocean carbonate chemistry, which allows us to characterize Ocean Acidification in accordance with the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act. This network provides the capacity to track long-term changes in ocean chemistry and to alert stakeholders and industry partners about corrosive events impacting the Nation’s blue economy.

This measure tracks the percentage of Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI) fish stocks for which adequate assessments are available. Assessments are vital to determine the scientific basis for supporting and evaluating the impact of fishery management actions. To be deemed adequate, assessments must be based on recent quantitative information sufficient to determine current stock status (abundance and mortality) relative to established reference levels and to forecast stock status under different management scenarios

This measure tracks progress toward the recovery of endangered, threatened, or depleted protected species under NMFS’ jurisdiction. The species included in this measure are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Decreases may occur when species are de-listed or when separate stocks of a listed species are merged. Recovery of threatened, endangered, or depleted species can take decades. It may not be possible to recover or de-list a species in the near term, but progress can be made to stabilize or increase the species population. For some species, this means trying to stop steep population declines, while for others it means trying to increase their numbers.

The formula-driven calculation projects investment data at 3, 6, and 9 year intervals from the investment award. The formula is based on a study done by Rutgers University, which compiled and analyzed the performance of EDA construction investments after 9 years. This approach was reviewed and validated by third-party analysis conducted by Grant Thornton in 2008. Based on this formula and a review of EDA's historical results, EDA estimates that 40% of the 9-year projection would be realized after 3 years, 75% after 6 years, and 100% after 9 years.