Marine Science Affairs 



A National Advocate for Marine Sciences 



The Marine Sciences Act reflected Congressional concern over the need 

 for high-level advocacy for the field. Notwithstanding the popularity that the 

 field enjoys and the heightened popular interest in the scientific mysteries of 

 the oceans, there had been no central advocate within the Federal family 

 for examining and responding to the question of "What portion of the 

 Nation's energy and wealth should be devoted to ocean endeavors?" Thus, 

 in addition to its primary responsibility of assisting the President in carrying 

 out the provisions of the Marine Sciences Act, the Council has served as an 

 advocate — acting through its Chairman, its members, and its Executive 

 Secretary, who in communications with members of Congress, speeches, 

 public articles, communications to oceanographic institutions, and talks with 

 foreign leaders have urged wider understanding of the relationship of the 

 oceans to people and their concerns. 



The Marine Sciences Act gave permanent responsibility to the President 

 to advance this field. The Council was given only interim authority to advise 

 and assist the President until June 30, 1969, so as not to inadvertently 

 inhibit the Marine Sciences Commission in its analysis. Thus, in marine 

 sciences, options for the future are completely open. Decisions may be 

 required as to more permanent policy planning and coordinating machinery, 

 requirements for a new Federal operating agency, and means whereby 

 public and private interests may be blended and the necessary capital 

 attracted to advance the Nation toward the long-range objectives. 



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