About the Environmental Law Institute

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an internationally recognized independent research and education organization.  Since 1969 it has served as a non-partisan source of information about environmental law, policy, and management.  ELI fosters innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.  The Institute does this by building the capacity of decision-makers and leaders, researching and analyzing pressing environmental challenges, bringing together diverse groups of people to build shared understanding, and disseminating information online and in print.  We do not litigate
or lobby.

About ELI’s Ocean Program

The ocean acts as a critical life-support system for the planet and its people, yet human activity threatens it and the myriad services it provides. The Ocean Program strives to counter this by promoting smart and effective ocean conservation decisions and designing place-based and practical solutions.

ELI’s Ocean Program supports ocean and coastal management systems that are based on local priorities, inclusive and effective processes, and best available information. The Program focuses on supporting regional ocean management, achieving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and creating effective frameworks to managed ocean industry and energy.  Visit the Ocean Program online to learn more about our ocean and coastal projects.

Our Work in the Gulf

Several government efforts focus on fixing the damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon disaster.  These efforts, to varying degrees, are supposed to include the public in the decision-making processes.  Our goal is to see effective restoration and recovery that builds upon meaningful input from the Gulf’s residents and communities.

To achieve this goal, we work with local and national partners to develop materials and host training workshops designed to help the people of the Gulf understand the different processes that have been initiated by state and federal government, what their purposes and potential impacts are, and how people can get involved in them. If you have suggestions for things that we could do to help you or your community, please let us know.

Our work in the Gulf of Mexico is generously supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.