Marine Science Affairs 



the biological and oceanographic factors influencing the public health qual- 

 ity of the marine environment should emerge from these programs. 



In 1967, the Water Supply and Sea Resources program of the Public 

 Health Service developed monitoring networks for heavy metals, marine 

 toxins, and other organic pollutants afTecting shellfish. 



Conservation and Recreation 



The National Park Service system now includes 20 areas with significant 

 marine resources — 11 national parks and monuments devoted to resource 

 protection and nine national seashores and lakeshores for both protection 

 and recreation. Land acquisition and management is an especially important 

 tool for reserving Coastal Zone space. 



The Federal responsibility for conservation of marine locales, game, fish, 

 and wildlife is carried out by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, 

 Department of the Interior. This involves technical advisory work with 

 other Federal agencies and licensees as well as direct programs of preserva- 

 tion and enhancement of marine areas. Surveys and classifications of estu- 

 arine areas are underway in Florida and New York to facilitate prompt re- 

 view of dredging and other permit applications which might affect marine 

 resources. 



The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 42 estuarine refuges, con- 

 taining 18 million acres devoted to management programs for waterfowl 

 and other wildlife, and particularly preservation of endangered species. 

 Approximately 16,567 acres are scheduled for early acquisition for estuarine 

 refuges under the accelerated Wetlands Acquisition Program. 



Reflecting public concern over increasing estuarine damage. Congress is 

 considering legislation designed to inventory estuaries and their charac- 

 teristics and to protect some coastal areas by establishing procedures for 

 Federal and State acquisition or management of selected estuarine areas and 

 "marine sanctuaries." Also, the Federal agencies have taken administrative 

 actions designed to protect threatened marine species. 



The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation plays a central role in promoting 

 Federal-State cooperation and coordination in planning the acquisition and 

 development of both existing and proposed new areas in the Coastal Zone 

 devoted to public recreational use. A Nationwide Outdoor Recreation Plan 

 is being prepared by the Bureau for submission to the President and to 

 Congress in 1968. The Plan will provide a framework for Federal, State, and 

 local and private outdoor recreation programs, including those directed 

 to marine recreation. 



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