V-40 



Working from the information presented in the table there follows 

 a discussion as to the adequacy of the programs in meeting the 

 requirements of national interest and Federal responsibility and a 

 review of the current state of coordination. 



ADEQUACY OF PROGRAMS 



The national interests in the estuarine zone in relation to Federal 

 programs are protection and development of natural resources, 

 commerce and navigation, and national defense. 



First, in regard to the protection and development of the natural 

 resources of the estuarine zone, the Department of the Interior very 

 likely has the strongest effect here since it has broad interests 

 and management responsibilities in the use, preservation, development, 

 and study of our living and nonliving marine and related land 

 resources in the estuarine zone. At the same time, the Department 

 is also interested in the equitable and reasonable exploitation of 

 these areas for all manner of business and commercial activities. 

 Through its permit review activities in connection with the Corps 

 of Engineers, definite action goes on with particular emphasis on 

 the protection of the vital fish and wildlife habitats and preven- 

 tion of water pollution. In general, Interior's programs meet 

 objectives. A serious weakness lies in financial limitations. What 

 is being done is good but not enough can be done. This is partic- 

 ularly apparent in the need for estuarine zone or coastal zone 



