PRESIDENT'S TRANSMITTAL MESSAGE 

 TO CONGRESS 



TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES: 



The fact that the United States is first in space is well known; it is less 

 well known that we are also first in oceanic science and technology. And 

 while most of our citizens recognize the opportunities which lie before us 

 in space, fewer understand the enormous benefits which can flow from our 

 national marine activities. 



During 1969, the National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering 

 Development, chaired by the Vice President, identified a number of policies 

 and programs concerning the sea which, in their judgment, deserve Federal 

 support. I am today transmitting to the Congress the Council's annual 

 report, "Marine Science Affairs — Selecting Priority Programs." The marine 

 science programs which I have approved for Fiscal Year 1971 are based 

 in part on the Council's recommendations. 



My budget request for Fiscal Year 1971 provides $533.1 million for marine 

 science and technology activities. These funds would help us to improve 

 the management of our coastal zone, expand Arctic research, develop a pro- 

 gram for restoring damaged lakes, expand the collection of data concerning 

 ocean and weather conditions, reduce merchant ship operating costs, and 

 undertake other important projects. The funds would also support U.S. 

 participation in the International Decade of Ocean Exploration, a program 

 which can contribute much to the quality of the marine environment and 

 to the pursuit of world peace. 



In November of 1 969, this Administration sent to the Congress a compre- 

 hensive proposal for protecting and developing the land and water resources 

 of the nation's estuarine and coastal zone. I hope that the Congress will give 

 this program early and careful attention. 



The Federal government will continue to provide leadership in the 

 nation's marine science program. But it is also important that private in- 

 dustry. State and local governments, academic, scientific and other institu- 

 tions increase their own involvement in this important field. The public and 

 private sectors of our society must work closely together if we are to meet 

 the great challenges which are presented to us by the oceans of our planet. 



^^Sii^^X^ 



The White House, April 1970. 



