The National Foundation for Marine Sciences is an organization focused on marine science, the branch of Earth science devoted to studying the ocean. Its subject matter spans marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics, ocean currents and waves, geophysical fluid dynamics, seafloor geology and plate tectonics, and the movement of chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. The field brings together biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, physics, geography, and archaeology to build knowledge of the ocean and the processes that shape it.

The foundation’s website provides information through sections for white papers, grants, conferences, a blog, news, and links, and includes an option for donations. These resources indicate a focus on sharing marine science information and providing access to grant-related and conference content. The site also states that the foundation is funded by grants, without identifying specific funders in the supplied text. Together, its scientific focus and information channels present the organization as a resource for people interested in marine research and understanding the ocean.