Marine Science Affairs 



7. Ocean Observation and Prediction. — Increased emphasis during FY 

 1968 to strengthen ocean observation networks has resulted in: 



— initiation of an experimental breaker and surf forecasting service 

 for beaches of southern California for the protection of bathers and 

 coastal commercial fishermen; 



— completion of a comprehensive study indicating the technological 

 feasibility of ocean data buoys for monitoring ocean and atmos- 

 pheric processes; 



— establishment of the Regional Center for Tropical Meteorology in the 

 National Hurricane Center at Miami, and strengthening the 

 National Hurricane Center itself, to provide shore communities 

 and industries and marine operators in the tropical Atlantic with 

 improved weather information. 



8. Deep Ocean Technology. — The increasing requirements for the Navy 

 to operate throughout the ocean environment, and the loss of the U.S.S. 

 Thresher and of an unarmed nuclear weapon off the coast of Palomares, 

 Spain, pointed up the importance of a strengthened capability for search 

 and salvage systems in the deep ocean. The Deep Submergence Systems 

 Project of the U.S. Navy was accordingly accelerated, and the Deep Ocean 

 Technology program was initiated to develop components for future sys- 

 tems. A standby capability for such emergencies has been established by the 

 Navy. 



9. Subpolar Oceanographic Research Vessel. — A replacement Coast 

 Guard ship, previously authorized for the International Ice Patrol, was to be 

 specially designed and constructed to permit oceanographic research in sub- 

 polar regions. The Congress did not approve funds, and the request is being 

 renewed. 



Council Encouragement of Multi-Agency Cooperative Endeavors 



With assistance by the Council, member agencies are cooperating to 

 attack a number of problems of priority concern. A few examples follow : 

 — Interior and Transportation have conducted a comprehensive 



examination of ways to cope with major oil pollution incidents 



such as that associated with the Torrey Canyon disaster. 

 — State and Commerce are attempting to develop new markets for 



U.S. marine products abroad, including review of export control 



policies. 

 — NASA, Navy, Interior, and ESSA are collectively examining the 



feasibility of satellite observations for marine science. 

 — The Navy has made available the Transit Satellite Navigation 



System for use by other agencies and non-Federal interests. 



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