111-13 



responsibility. First, although the Federal role has expanded in 

 recent years, the States retain primary authority and responsibility 

 for the prevention and control of water pollution. Second, they hold 

 title to wholly or partially submerged lands and mineral resources in 

 the estuarine and coastal zone and are responsible for administering 

 these, through retention by the State or through their disposal or 

 lease, in the public interest. Third, the States possess primary 

 authority to decide, either directly or through their local subdivisions, 

 how the shoreline and related uplands in the estuarinp and coastal zones 

 are to be used for various purposes, i.e., trade and commerce, industry, 

 parks, recreation, etc. Fourth, the authority of local governments 

 generally in managing the water and land resources in estuaries is 

 determined by the States. Fifth, the exploitation of the fisheries 

 and other living estuarine and coastal resources is under State 

 control to the seaward boundary of U. S. territorial seas. Sixth, 

 the nature and forms of interstate cooperation in managing the 

 Nation's estuaries is a matter which the States largely decide. And, 

 finally, each State presides over the common law which governs private 

 relations in the development and use of estuarine and coastal resources, 

 and resolves the conflicting rights, interests, and privileges of its 

 citizens in using these resources. 



The Recommended State Role 



Clearly, therefore, it is upon the States that the Nation must place 

 its major reliance in achieving that reasonable compromise between 



