Redhorse provided technical, policy, management, administrative, and marine support services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). The ONMS manages 13 national marine sanctuaries, encompassing more than 18,000 square miles of ocean and waters in the Great Lakes, from Washington State to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. Sanctuaries range in size from less than one to more than 5,300 square miles. In addition, the sanctuary program manages the 130,000 square-mile Northwestern Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. Taken together, the area of the 14 sites is approximately 20,000 square miles, larger than the total area managed by the National Park Service.

Redhorse supported the ONMS in meeting its obligations under Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and Executive Order 13158 to conserve, protect, and enhance the biodiversity, ecological integrity, and the cultural legacy of the nation’s system of marine protected areas. Redhorse professionals provided specialized technical, program, and administrative support; develop plans and policy; and consult on various marine-related issues. Redhorse provided specialized technical assistance for resource protection and research programs, which included living marine resources, cultural resources, water quality, physical oceanographic research and regulatory initiatives.