'The dim, dark sea . . . that divides and yet unites mankind." 



HENRY W. LONGFELLOW 



Chapter III 



EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL 

 COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING 



The oceans are inherently international; they define the coastlines of 

 more than 100 nations. Moreover, new ocean technologies are projecting 

 national interests seaward as more countries become able to conduct mari- 

 time and naval activities farther from their coasts, exploit previously inac- 

 cessible ocean resources, and expand ocean exploration activities into distant 

 seas and to deeper reaches of the seabed. As marine interests and operations 

 of the nations of the world intensify and converge and competition for 

 resources increases, international cooperation becomes essential to prevent 

 and mitigate conflicts and rivalries and to foster world order and inter- 

 national economic development.^ 



Motivation for cooperative endeavors also lies in the need for more and 

 better information about the sea. Many nations share experience and capa- 

 bilities in marine science and technology. The United States — and all 

 nations — can derive maximum benefit from this collective capability if 

 nations share the responsibilities and the results of expanding ocean research. 



' The increasing worldwide interest in marine sciences is reflected in the following 

 five Council publications: "Marine Science Activities of the Nations of .Africa," 

 "Marine Science Activities of the Nations of East Asia," "Marine Science Activities 

 of Canada and the Nations of Europe," "Marine Science Activities of the Nations of 

 Latin America," "Marine Science Activities of the Nations of the Near East and South 

 Asia." These and other Council publications are listed in Table XV-2 together with 

 information concerning their availability. 



49 



