Marine Science Affairs 



Indeed, both because of the international character of scientific study of 

 the seas and the common property aspect of deep ocean resources, a multi- 

 national approach to the peaceful uses of the seas is not only desirable but 

 necessary. 



In recognition of this need, the Marine Sciences Act gives special emphasis 

 to international cooperation, including recognition of a leadership role of 

 the United States.- Accordingly, the United States has sought to widen under- 

 standing of its plans to expand its activities under the Marine Sciences Act 

 to encourage other nations to determine how the oceans could contribute 

 to their development, and to promote collaborative endeavors by : 



— encouraging increased cooperation among ocean scientists of all 



nations and broadened dissemination of scientific results ; 

 — collaborating with other nations in developing and using new marine 



technologies within a framework of mutual benefit ; 

 • — strengthening the capabilities of the developing nations to use the 

 oceans and their resources as pathways to economic progress, recog- 

 nizing that assistance must be shared by other nations and inter- 

 national organizations; 

 — supporting activities of the many bodies of the United Nations system 

 and other international organizations engaged in oceanic activities 

 and efforts to improve the international organizational structure; 

 • — strengthening international ocean programs and projects which foster 

 cooperation among neighboring nations to meet common interests 

 and problems ; 

 — pursuing a strengthened code of international law which will pre- 

 serve the traditional freedoms of the seas, insure that nations have 

 equitable opportunities to participate in the development of the 

 wealth of the oceans, and anticipate and prevent potential conflicts 

 arising out of expanding maritime interests ; '' 

 — fostering international legal, financial, and political arrangements 

 to promote investment in marine development and facilitate a fruitful 

 partnership between public and private interests in marine matters; 



" As international policy objectives. Section 2 of the Act states : "The preservation of 

 the role of the United States as a leader in marine science and resource development." 

 Also, ". . . The cooperation by the United States with other nations ... in marine 

 science activities when such cooperation is in the national interest." Section 6 of the 

 Act states: "The Council, under the foreign policy guidance of the President and as he 

 may request, shall coordinate a program of international cooperation in work done 

 pursuant to this Act, pursuant to agreements made by the President with the advice 

 and consent of the Senate." 



^ The following Council contract reports discuss many of the international law con- 

 siderations: "Law for the Sea's Mineral Resources", "Fishery Policy and International 

 Law", "International Legal Problems of Scientific Research in the Ocean". These and 

 other reports prepared by contractors for the Council are listed in Table XV-3 to- 

 gether with information concerning their availability. 



50 



