374 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1959 
results of such study are of practical importance to fisheries. But 
biologists themselves have always stressed the importance of studying 
the physical aspects of the ocean, 1.e., water movements, since these 
must exert a great influence on the growth and distribution of the 
fauna. 
Since oceanography clearly has a bearing on sea warfare and de- 
fense, it is not surprising that the two World Wars should have 
greatly stimulated the study of the physical aspects of marine science. 
The claims of defense, navigation, coastal protection, and harbor 
engineering, together with the realization that the latest research 
techniques can give valuable results when applied to the study of the 
ocean, have greatly contributed to the development of these aspects 
of marine science. The new physical studies are adding to the in- 
terest of biological studies, but they require rather expensive facilities. 
Most of the work is being done or fostered by Government-sponsored 
organizations which often cooperate when their interests coincide. 
Useful work in the study of marine problems relating to fisheries 
has been done by the International Council for the Exploration of 
the Sea, mentioned earlier. Since its inception 60 years ago, other 
regional groups have been formed. There is also the work of the 
international scientific unions, and the International Union of Ge- 
odesy and Geophysics has an International Association of Physical 
Oceanography, which used to cover most aspects of marine research, 
but which now confines itself to the physical, chemical, and geological 
aspects only. The International Union of Biological Sciences, al- 
though it deals with marine studies, has no separate association for 
them. 
Recently UNESCO initiated a marine science program. Its main 
object is to cultivate interest in oceanography, particularly in coun- 
tries where it has not received sufficient attention. Pending the grad- 
ual development of a full-scale program, international and regional 
cooperation is being stimulated by means of symposia on regional 
problems, fellowships, visiting lectureships, and training courses. 
UNESCO is also endeavoring to get interested countries to build and 
operate a research ship, and is bringing together scientists to lay the 
foundations of regional cooperation in survey and research. Another 
task assumed by UNESCO has been that of acting as agent for the 
United Nations Organization in assembling information relating to 
problems common to many countries, such as the disposal of atomic 
waste and the regulation of the scientific investigation and exploi- 
tation of the continental shelves. The main task of cultivating in- 
terest in the subject and of promoting cooperation and a free exchange 
of ideas is one which UNESCO, with its area offices, is well equipped 
to do. 
