( 3 ) New knowledge and evolving technology will speed greater, more 

 rational realization of the ocean's benefits ; and 



(4) The oceans will continue to play a major role in national defense. 



In 1969, Federal programs in marine science, technology and related 

 activities continued to develop, and in fiscal year 1971 the marine sciences 

 budget will increase by approximately $19 million to a total of $533 million. 

 The President approved a priority, five-point program to strengthen the 

 Nation's marine science activities in fiscal year 1971. In support of the 

 President and in keeping with its legislative manmade, the Marine Sci- 

 ences Council examined ocean issues of national imp>ortance at a Govern- 

 ment-wide policy level and develop>ed recommendations for Presidential 

 consideration. 



In 1969, major policy and program decisions, marine research findings, 

 ocean engineering developments, and achievements of ocean industry sup- 

 ported the objectives of the Marine Sciences Act. Emphasis, in particular, 

 was placed on preservation of marine environmental quality and on rational 

 management of the Nation's coastal zone. Further study of lake restoration, 

 to determine the feasibility of restoring the quality of some of the Nation's 

 seriously damaged waters, was announced. The development of Federal 

 policies for coastal zone management and coastal zone research was under- 

 taken, and new programs of Arctic research and international cooperative 

 exploration were planned — each serving to advance the United States 

 as a leader in marine science and resource development. 



Major research programs such as the Barbados Oceanographic and 

 Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) and the ocean sediment coring 

 program contributed to the expansion of human knowledge of the marine 

 environment. The cooperative Government/industry Tektite I experiment 

 contributed to the development of man-in-the-sea capabilities. The Gulf 

 Stream drift mission of the submersible Ben Franklin, the Arctic voyage 

 of the supertanker SS Manhattan, and the launching of the Navy's nuclear 

 powered research and engineering submersible, NR-1, illustrated national 

 advances in marine engineering and technology. Bilateral and multilateral 

 seabed arms-limitation discussions and the international decision to proceed 

 with the International Decade of Ocean Exploration as part of an expanded 

 program of ocean exploration and research were indicative of progress 

 toward peaceful, cooperative use of the world ocean. 



Federal Marine Sciences Policy 



During 1969, the administration gave careful consideration to marine 

 science problems and objectives in the context of overall national needs and 

 priorities. Immediately after entering office, the President asked the Vice 

 President and Council members for recommendations on the proposals 

 made by the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources. 



8 



