The Vice President, 



Washington. 

 Dear Mr. President: 



I am pleased to forward the second annual report of the National 

 Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development entitled 

 "Marine Science Affaire — A Year of Plans and Progress.'" 



This report is an account of policies, programs, and accomplishments 

 of the Federal Government for utilizing the oceans more effectively in 

 meeting goals and aspirations of our Nation. The report highlights 

 opportunities deserving special emphasis and details funding require- 

 ments for marine sciences included in your Fiscal Year 1969 proposals 

 to the Congress. Finally, the report contains an evaluation of progress 

 toward meeting public needs and identifies impediments to further 

 advancements related to this Nation's stake in the sea. 



During the past year the agencies of our Government, separately 

 and collectively, have continued to develop a substantial base of re- 

 search. And they have focused ideas, facilities, and manpower with a 

 clearer sense of direction and priorities to : 



— strengthen our economy by identifying new sources of food, 

 fuel, and mineral resources; by encouraging innovation in 

 marine technology ; and by enlarging U.S. participation in the 

 world's maritime activities ; 

 — enhance the quality of urban living by arresting degradation 

 and erosion of the shoreline, fostering urban waterfront de- 

 velopment, and expanding water recreation opportunities; 

 — strengthen world understanding and security through inter- 

 national, cooperative marine endeavors, international legal 

 arrangements to avoid potential conflicts, and an unexcelled 

 naval capaibility to deter aggression ; 

 — foster education and training of oceanographers, engineers, 

 technicians, and those from other professions through collaib- 

 oration with and assistance to our universities and technical 

 institutes. 

 The Council has endeavored to clarify goals, to identify unmet needs 

 and opportunities — especially those of concern to several agencies — 

 and to meet urgent problems by encouraging constructive programs. 

 We have provided guidance for implementing the marine science initia- 

 tives that you recommended to the Congress last year. 



Finally, we have endeavored to utilize the high quality base of 

 science and engineering within an institutional framework which will 

 insure that new concepts can be translated effectively and promptly 

 into practice — a framework that includes participation by State and 

 local Governments, private industry, and the academic community. 



