INTRODUCTION 



With the enactment of the Marine Resources and Engineering Develop- 

 ment Act of June 17, 1966, increased Federal attention was focused on 

 marine science affairs. Clear recognition of oceanic potential, problems 

 and goals is reflected in the Act's statement of national purpose: "It is hereby 

 declared to be the policy of the United States to develop, encourage, and 

 maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national program 

 in marine science for the benefit of mankind to assist in the protection 

 of health and property, enhancement of commerce, transportation, and 

 national security, rehabilitation of our commercial fisheries, and increased 

 utilization of these and other resources." 



The Marine Sciences Act ^ provided — 



(1) A new emphasis on Presidential leadership; 



(2) An interim Cabinet-level Council, chaired by the Vice Presi- 

 dent, to assist the President in policy development and coordination of 

 the Federal marine sciences program; and 



(3) An interim public advisory Commission to identify the Na- 

 tion's stake in the oceans and to recommend future steps for the 

 national program. 



The Act also gave the President responsibility for implementing the leg- 

 islation by — 



( 1 ) Developing a comprehensive marine science program involving 

 Federal agencies working in cooperation with the entire spectrum of 

 non-Federal organizations including State and local governments, 

 private research institutions, and industry; 



^Following are some abbreviations and definitions in use in the marine sciences 

 field: 



The Act is customarily called the Marine Sciences Act. See app. B-2 for its 

 full text. 



The National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development is 

 usually abbreviated to the Marine Sciences Council. 



The Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources, no longer 

 in existence, is usually referred to as the Marine Sciences Commission. 



"Marine science" is a term employed in Public Law 89-454, sec. 8, to de- 

 scribe scientific research, engineering, and technological development related 

 to the marine environment. 



The "marine environment" is considered to include the oceans, the Continental 

 Shelf, seabed and subsoil of submarine areas and resources thereof, and estuaries 

 of the United States and its territories, the Great Lakes, and the resources of the 

 ocean and Great Lakes. 



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