CHAPTER 1 



OCEAN MANAGEMENT— AN EXPANDING 

 ARENA 



In recent years, the Federal Ocean Program has been marked by a 

 new stress on marine activities directed to expanding our energy sup- 

 plies as expeditiously as possible. This emphasis was reflected in ac- 

 celerated studies to develop new techniques to generate usable energy 

 from ocean processes and in intensified programs to appraise the oil 

 resources of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and assess the environ- 

 mental impact of their development. 



While energy-related programs are of great importance, our concern 

 with the development of ocean resources extends beyond augmenting 

 our energy supplies. We are increasing our endeavors, both national and 

 international, to establish a sound basis for the mining of marine 

 minerals without damage to the environment and to improve our har- 

 vest of marine fishery resources without endangering fishery stocks. 



An essential element of energy and resource programs is the attain- 

 ment of a balance between development and environmental quality. 

 Such a balance can only be achieved by sound management practices 

 based on thoroughgoing knowledge of the environment. A com- 

 paratively new effort directed to this goal is concerned with a wide 

 gamut of economic and conservation issues. This effort involves 

 cooperative Federal/State actions to formulate comprehensive regional 

 coastal zone management programs. 



OCS Oil Development 



The Department of the Interior (DOI) continued the implementation 

 of its accelerated OCS Oil and Gas Lease schedule of six sales a year. 

 The process leading to sales, however, has been extended from 12 to 19 

 months to accommodate greater detail and thoroughness in assessing the 

 potential impact of development of coastal and marine environments. 

 During 1975. DOI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted five 

 sales off the Gulf Coast and one off Southern California. 



