Perspective 



the world oceans. But to some extent exploration and research are also 

 a purpose themselves. Each of us has a latent curiosity about the world 

 around him, and scientific discovery becomes a purpose of society — at least 

 of the affluent societies. Indeed exploration, science, and invention are a 

 feature of American culture. 



As shown in the list of exploration milestones in Table 1 1-8, great strides 

 have been made in recent years in surveying distant ocean reaches. But 

 we have only begun to venture into the vastness of the seas. Knowledge 

 of the ocean and its resources is exceedingly limited. Because of the very 

 size, complexity, and variability of the marine environment, scientific 

 investigations of vast scope will be required if knowledge of this environ- 

 ment is to increase within a reasonably short period. 



World interest in the oceans is growing and nations are moving to 

 strengthen their marine science capabilities — to extend their exploration 

 capabilities. In the past few years a number of nations. Including Canada, 

 France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and 

 the United States have made significant steps to increase their ocean and 

 underseas research capabilities. 



Perspective for the Future 



We have only begun to realize the promise of the ocean. The preceding 

 pages have described uses of the sea today, with a glimpse of uses tomor- 

 row. In an environment where so little is known, and where technologies 

 are in their infancy, it would be folly to attempt definitive long-range 

 prediction. But it is clear that as the world's population grows rapidly, the 

 sea can provide new sources of nutritious food. Untapped mineral and 

 energy resources of the sea can help meet growing demands of the world's 

 expanding economy. New understanding of the processes of the ocean — the 

 great regulator of weather and climate — can benefit agriculture, shipping, 

 travel, health, and recreation. 



The following chapters discuss what the Federal Government is doing to 

 meet these challenges. 



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