What are the strengths and weaknesses of the NOEP method for defining the Ocean and Coastal Economies?
The principal strength of the NOEP data is consistency across time and space. Unlike many studies of the Coastal and Ocean Economies, which have used ad hoc methods and definitions, and which, have thus not produced comparable data, the NOEP data use definitions and methods that are as consistent as possible across all states and across multiple years. Thus, it is possible to measure change over time and to compare one coastal region to another, and one sector to another, with reasonable accuracy. The NOEP approach also allows greater precision over any other approach in geographic and industrial definitions by using the original source data at the establishment-level to create customized definitions uniquely suitable to the concept of an Ocean Economy. The principal weaknesses lie in the data series used for measurement. • Key definitions like the industrial classifications have changed. • Many industries are still too aggregate for true “ocean” economy measurement. • Shore-adjacent z
