Many countries are expressing concern for the perpetuation of their unique 

 underwater resources for scientific purposes and for underwater visitor 

 observation. This interest is reflected in the number of countries which 

 have created or are considering the establishment of underwater national 

 parks and marine preserves. During the year, the National Park Service 

 provided encouragement and information on this subject to many nations 

 including: Japan, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Costa 

 Rica, Colombia, Canada, South Africa, Tanzania, and Greece. 



The National Wildlife Refuge System now includes 91 refuges in the 

 coastal zone containing 20.4 million acres devoted to management of migra- 

 tor)' birds and other wildlife, including the preservation of endangered 

 species. Of these, 10 refuges containing 19.8 million acres are in Alaska. 

 Approximately 13,000 acres were acquired during fiscal year 1969 under the 

 accelerated wetlands acquisition program. 



The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation plays a central role in promot- 

 ing Federal-State cooperation and coordination to provide recreational 

 opportunities, including those in the coastal zone. Also statewide outdoor 

 recreation plans have been prepared by all States, many of which provide for 

 meeting marine-related recreation needs and the preservation of coastal 

 areas. Based on these plans, the Bureau has assisted over 4,000 State and 

 local outdoor recreation projects, many of which are located in the coastal 

 zone. 



The Army Corps of Engineers makes substantial contributions to both 

 conservation and recreation through its research studies and development 

 programs for beach erosion control, shore protection, flood control, hurricane 

 barriers, intercoastal waterways, interoceanic canals and boat harbors. An 

 example of the research field studies undertaken by the Corps is the experi- 

 mental groin structure at Point Mugu, Calif., which provides a capability 

 for conducting controlled experiments on shore processes. Corps of Engineer 

 planning assists the State and local governments in the development of 

 plans by providing data, information and guidance regarding water re- 

 sources, and marine sciences development proposals. Additionally the 

 Corps cooperates with State and local governments in having beaches 

 restored or improved for public use; natural barrier beaches and shore 

 areas bolstered by sand fill, fences, vegetation and structures; and small 

 boat harbors developed for recreational and fishing boats. 



The National Shoreline Study was commenced by the Army Corps of 

 Engineers, in cooperation with State and Federal agencies. The study, which 

 will cover both private and public coastlines, will identify those areas in 

 which shoreline erosion poses serious problems to economic and recreation 

 uses, and to ecological and other relevant factors. It will also propose 

 generally the appropriate type of remedial actions for areas with serious 

 erosion problems. The study will serve as a basis for the development of 

 guidelines by Federal, State, and local agencies for the optimum uses of 

 shores subject to erosion, but will not include recommendations for author- 

 ization of specific projects. 



More than 20 million people now participate in recreational boating in 

 coastal waters, and the Coast Guard estimates an increase of over 200,000 

 boats per year on our waterways. Boating has become an important factor 



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