AVS/9/89U (10) 



The Working Group, 



Having reviewed and recognized the rapid increase in research activity in the oceans, 

 exemplified by such proposals as that for the International Decade of Ocean 

 Exploration, expresses its concern that these plans and activities must be adequately 

 backed up by appropriate training programmes. It wishes to emphasize the critical 

 importance of training both for basic oceanic research and towards practical uses of 

 the ocean. 



The in/orking Group took note of the proposals made by the Secretary General of the 

 United Nations concerning training and education in marine science and technology in 

 the report under Resolution 2172 (XXI) (Doc. E/4487). It felt strongly that in light 

 of these proposals the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission should assume 

 greater responsibility for promoting training and education in marine science than is 

 presently envisaged in the IOC Statutes. This feeling of the group is reflected in 

 the recommendations formulated below. The group suggests that these enlarged 

 responsibilities of the IOC should eventually find their proper reflection in the 

 IOC Statutes . 



1. The Working Group endorsed the recommendations of the ECOSOC Resolution 1382 

 and reviewed the need for stronger emphasis on elements of marine science in 

 teaching of biology, geography and other relevant fields. Unesco should 

 assist schools by provision of teaching materials and ly finding means for 

 further trainirg of teachers in these fields. In these activities the 

 responsible educational units in Unesco should obtain the expert advice of 

 the Office of Oceanography as well as the appropriate National Committees 

 wherever warranted; 



2. Marine science should not be considered as a science or technology to be 

 studied only "on-the-job", i.e. following graduate training. Rather, 

 especially in those countries where marine science research is carried out, 

 oceanography must be recognized as an independent component of the 

 contemporary natural science university curriculum to bo introduced following 

 the first 2 or 3 years of instructions in natural sciences and related 

 disciplines. The teaching should include at least the following basic 

 disciplines: 



- Marine Physics 



- Marine Chemistry 



- Marine Biology 



According to particular national needs, fisheries biology, marine geology, 

 ocean engineering, and maritime meteorology should also be taught. 



Moreover, wherever required, marine research should be accompanied by 

 appropriate post-graduate training programmes and facilities in close 

 connection with universities and other institutions of higher learning; 



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