— Increased research and planning to improve our coastal zone 

 and to promote development of the Great Lakes and of our ports 

 and harbors. 

 — Application of spacecraft technology in oceanography, and im- 

 proved observation and prediction of the ocean environment. 

 Other nations are also seeking to exploit the promise of the sea. We 

 invite and encourage their interest, for the oceans that cover three- 

 fourths of our globe affect the destiny of all mankind. For our part, 

 we will : 



— ^Work to strengthen international law to reaffirm the traditional 



freedom of the seas. 

 — Encourage mutual restraint among nations so that the oceans 



do not become the basis for military conflict. 

 — Seek international arrangements to insure that ocean resources 

 are harvested in an equitable manner, and in a way that will 

 assure their continued abundance. 

 Lack of knowledge about the extent and distribution of the living 

 and mineral resources of the sea limits their use by all nations and 

 inhibits sound decisions as to rights of exploitation. I have therefore 

 asked the Secretary of State to explore with other nations their interest 

 in joining together in long-term ocean exploration. 

 Such activities could : 

 — Expand cooperative efforts by scientists from many nations to 



penetrate the mysteries of the sea that still lie before us; 

 — Increase our knowledge of food resources, so that we may use 

 food from the sea more fully to assist in meeting world-wide 

 threats of malnutrition and disease; 

 — Bring closer the day when the peoples of the world can exploit 

 new sources of minerals and fossil fuels. 

 While we strive to improve Government programs, we must also 

 recognize the importance of private investment, industrial innovation, 

 and academic talent. We must strengthen cooperation between the pub- 

 lic and private sectors. 



I am pleased and proud to report that we have made substantial 

 progress during the first full year of our marine science program, 

 dedicated to more effective use of the sea. 

 We shall build on these achievements. 



" T-vxrnmvr T\ . 



Lyndon B. Johnson. 



The White House. 



