Marine Science Affairs 



tion, and the membership of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Com- 

 mission has increased by 50 percent to more than 60 in less than three years. 



Over the years men have learned to cooperate in using the 

 seas, particularly in the use of nearby seas that influence several adjacent 

 nations. Figure 11-15 presents a selected group of intergovernmental regional 

 organizations developed in recent years and now active in promoting 

 cooperative marine activities. But the mounting interest of the world com- 

 munity, new technological achievements and new uses of the seas, and the 

 changing political complexion suggest that the ocean may become more 

 important than ever before as a source of national power and dispute. While 

 the oceans can yield world-wide benefits, they can also create global havoc. 

 Intensified ocean activities must be conducted within a framework of law 

 and cooperation or they will inevitably lead to conflicts and debilitating 

 rivalries. 



New issues are emerging. Already, as shown in Appendix C-4, some 

 coastal States have asserted national jurisdiction hundreds of miles seaward, 

 eroding the traditional freedom of navigation of the seas. As man moves into 

 the deep oceans he encounters new questions of jurisdiction over the seabed, 

 and he seeks new legal principles to guide its development and use. As high 

 seas fishing stocks become accessible to more nations, tradition is giving way 

 to internationally reached agreements. As use of the ocean increases, the 

 chances of disturbing the natural balance of the seas multiply — particularly 

 through pollution which acts to the detriment of all users. 



Thus, a view of the oceans requires not only an appraisal of scientific 

 and technological opportunities, but also an awareness of changing national 

 relationships and interests. The accelerating pace of oceanic developments 

 makes it necessary for nations to intensify their efforts to promote world 

 understanding and peace, to reduce conflict and rivalry, and to advance 

 world order through increased multilateral, regional, and bilateral coopera- 

 tion in the oceans. This unique arena where the interests of nations con- 

 verge offers multiple opportunities for cooperative endeavors, and in the 

 years ahead increased use of the oceans will be to a very large extent depend- 

 ent upon successful statesmanship. 



A Shield and a Bond for National Security 



A nation's strength springs from many sources — political, economic, mili- 

 tary, and scientific^ — and all aspects of national growth in a sense contribute 

 to national security. Historically the oceans have played important military 

 roles as a shield for defense, a springboard for attack, and a lifeline for sup- 



38 



