SOCA monitors and reviews progress in the implementation of relevant parts of Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, the goal of which is to promote the sustainable utilization and conservation of the marine environment and its resources, both in the oceans and in coastal areas. The Subcommittee also acts as an inter-agency facilitating mechanism for the implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities.

Its objectives include:

(a) integrating relevant sectoral activities addressing environment and development in marine and coastal areas at the national, subregional, regional and global levels, as appropriate;

(b) promoting effective information exchange and, where appropriate, institutional linkages between bilateral and multilateral national, regional, subregional and interregional institutions dealing with environment and development in marine and coastal areas;

(c) promoting within the United Nations system regular intergovernmental review and consideration of environment and development issues with respect to marine and coastal areas;

(d) promoting the effective operation of coordinating mechanisms for the components of the United Nations system dealing with issues of environment and development in marine and coastal areas, as well as links with relevant international development bodies.

The issues that its members cooperate on include: integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas, including exclusive economic zones; marine environmental protection; sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources of the high seas; sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources under national jurisdiction; addressing critical uncertainties for the management of the marine environment and climate change; strengthening international, including regional, cooperation and coordination; sustainable development of small islands.