Maryland's Coastal Program, established by executive order and approved in 1978, is a network of state laws and policies designed to protect coastal and marine resources. The program strives to achieve a balance between development and protection in the coastal zone. Maryland's coastal zone includes the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays, and Atlantic Ocean, as well as, the towns, cities and counties that contain and help govern the coastline. It encompasses two-thirds of the state's land area and is home to 67.83% of Maryland's residents. Through partnerships and funding to local governments, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities, the Coastal Program addresses a variety of coastal issues including provision of public access, nonpoint source pollution reduction, coastal hazards mitigation, habitat and living resources protection and growth management.  The Department of Natural Resources is the lead agency for this program.

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In 1972, Congress recognized that planning and management were needed to conserve coastal resources while accommodating growth. To help do this, Congress enacted the Coastal Zone Management Act to "preserve, protect, develop and, where possible, to restore and enhance the resources of the nation's coastal zone for this and succeeding generations." The key feature of the Act is the creation of a partnership among federal, state, and local governments that assures consultation and cooperation as they seek solutions to problems caused by competing coastal pressures. Congress realized that the best way to meet these goals was to encourage states to exercise their full authority over their own lands and waters. It provided two incentives: funding to allow state and local governments to manage coastal resources, and a promise to carry out federal activities, or actions authorized by a federal permit in a manner consistent with a state's plan. These two features help coastal states bring competing coastal users into a cooperative arrangement.
For further information on the National Coastal Zone Management Program, please visit the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration website.