Whereas improved understanding of ocean processes would enhance the 

 protection of life and property against severe storms and other hazards, 

 would further the safety of maritime commerce, would directly con- 

 tribute to the development of coastal areas of the Nation, would benefit 

 the Nation's fishing and mineral extractive industries, and would con- 

 tribute to advancement of a broad range of scientific disciplines; and 

 Whereas realization of the full potential of the oceans will require a long- 

 term program of exploration, observation, and study on a worldwide 

 basis, utilizing ships, buoys, aircraft, satellites, undersea submersibles, 

 and other platforms, advanced navigation systems, and expanded data 

 processing and distribution facilities; and 

 Whereas the inherently international character of ocean phenomena has 



attracted the interest of many nations ; and 

 Whereas excellence, experience, and capabilities in marine science and 

 technology are shared by many nations and a broad program of ocean 

 exploration can most effectively and economically be carried out 

 through a cooperative effort by many nations of the world; and 

 Whereas the United States has begun to explore, through the United Nations 

 and other forums, international interest in a long-term program of 

 ocean exploration : Now, therefore, be it 

 Resolved by the House of Representatives [the Senate concurring) , That 

 it is the sense of Congress that the United States should participate in and 

 give full support to an International Decade of Ocean Exploration during 

 the 1970's which would include (1) an expanded national program of 

 exploration in waters close to the shores of the United States, (2) inten- 

 sified exploration activities in waters more distant from the United States, 

 and (3) accelerated development of the capabilities of the United States 

 to explore the oceans and particularly the training and education of needed 

 scientists, engineers, and technicians. 



Sec. 2. It is further the sense of Congress that the President should 

 cooperate with other nations in ( 1 ) encouraging broad international par- 

 ticipation in an International Decade of Ocean Exploration, (2) sharing 

 results and experiences from national ocean exploration programs, (3) 

 planning and coordinating international cooperative projects within the 

 framework of a sustained, long-range international effort to investigate 

 the world's oceans, (4) strengthening and expanding international arrange- 

 ments for the timely international exchange of oceanographic data, and 

 (5) providing appropriate technical and training assistance and facilities 

 to the developing countries and support to international organizations so 

 they may effectively contribute their share to the International Decade of 

 Ocean Exploration. 



Sec. 3. It is further the sense of Congress that the President in his annual 

 report to the Congress on marine science affairs pursuant to Public Law 

 89-454 should transmit to the Congress a plan setting forth the proposed 

 participation of the United States for the next fiscal year in the International 

 Decade of Ocean Exploration. The plan should contain a statement of the 

 activities to be conducted and specify the department or agency of the 

 Government which would conduct the activity and seek appropriations 

 therefor. 



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