Sciences and other agencies of the Federal Government, the Council 

 has reviewed our current work and has identified the areas in which 

 action should be taken. 

 We must — 



Launch a pilot program to assist the protein-deficient countries 

 of the world in increasing their capacity for using the fish re- 

 sources of the seas ; 



Implement the Sea Grant College and Program Act to 

 strengthen oceanogi'aphic engineering, expand applied research, 

 and improve technical information activities ; 



Accelerate studies to improve the collection, storage, retrieval, 

 and dissemination of oceanogi'aphic data ; 



Expand ocean observation systems to improve near-shore 

 weather prediction services, and study ways to make more accu- 

 rate long-range predictions of precipitation levels and drought 

 conditions ; 



Study the Chesapeake Bay to determine the effects of estuarine 

 pollution on shellfish, health, recreation, and beauty, and to pro- 

 vide a basis for remedial measures ; 



Explore offshore solid mineral deposits; 



Improve technology and engineering for work at great ocean 

 depths ; and 



Equip a new Coast Guard ship to conduct oceanographic re- 

 search in sub-Arctic waters. 



Details of these programs are set forth in the accompanying report 

 of the National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering 

 Development. 



I have this year recommended to the Congress a 13-percent in- 

 crease — from $409 to $462 million — in appropriations to support ma- 

 rine science activities. These funds will permit us to expand our 

 efforts to understand the sea and develop its vast resources. They will 

 enhance the capabilities of local government, universities, and private 

 industi-y to join in this vital enterprise. They will enable us to support 

 the important new efforts recommended by the National Council on 

 Marine Resources and Engineering Development. 



I urge the Congress to provide the necessary funds to support these 

 important efforts. 



In January, I appointed 19 distinguished Americans, including four 

 Members of Congress, to serve as members and advisers of the Com- 

 mission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources. This 

 Commission will complement the activities of the National Council on 

 Marine Resources and Engineering Development, by providing im- 



IV 



