1-9 



THE NATIONAL ESTUARINE POLLUTION STUDY 



The Congressional assionment to the Secretary of the Interior 

 was delegated to the Federal Water Pollution Control Administra- 

 tion. The Administration established an Office of Estuarine 

 Studies (now the Estuarine and Ocoanoqraphic Prnorams Branch) 

 to carry out the study as directed by the Conoress. 



Immediate stens were taken to insure that all interested parties 

 could participate actively. KeDresentatives of each 3ureau 

 chief in the Department of the Interior formed an ad hoc Estua- 

 rine Advisory Committee, which was later formalized into an 

 advisory grouo to the Office of ilarine Resources. Each Federal 

 Executive Department Head and each coastal State or Territorial 

 Governor designated a representative to coordinate their partic- 

 ipation. National scientific, cultural, and user organizations 

 were invited to participate, and 30 public meetings were held 

 throughout the estuarine zone to obtain the views of individual 

 citizens. .Numerous consultations were held with orouDS and 

 individuals expressing interest: 



All of these groups and individuals were asked to assist by 

 providing information and opinion about the value, use, and pol- 

 lution of the estuarine resource. The Federal Water Pollution 

 Control Administration Regional Offices worked closely with State 



