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systems, frequently as Integral parts of large river basin complexes. 

 The systems concept 1s thus the most logical approach to sound manage- 

 ment of coastal areas. Any plans for the successful development, manage- 

 ment, and regulation of estuaries In tht United States must be consistent 

 with the ecological and economic principles by which such systems operate, 

 with and without modern man. Because estuarine systems differ from the 

 land systems in having moving fluid, the land laws and practices often 

 do not provide for sensible management and new laws and practices must 

 be developed to recognize the limitations and requirements of estuarine 

 systems. Hence, a management program must Involve a total effort 

 toward providing a total solution. More often than not, piecemeal 

 solutions create additional problems, and we find ourselves forced to 

 commit all of our resources to current crises and not able to prepare 

 for the more difficult problems of tomorrow. 



Programs for estuarine research and study capable of providing total 

 solutions require not only a multidisciplinary approach but also a 

 sizeable concerted effort, because the areas are both large and complex. 

 Estuarine studies are not wholly the problems of one discipline nor of 

 only a select number of State institutions, but must be carried out by 

 a number of agencies, both private and governmental. A great deal of 

 coordination is needed. The magnitude of the problem is such that use 

 can be made of all interested groups to attain the objectives of optimal 

 estuarine utilization. The single purpose concept of water resources 

 which has been generally ab ndoned in the development of our upland 

 water resources is still being used in the estuarine area. Such public 

 works as power plants, new ship channels, diked areas, etc., are still 



