Foreword 



The oceans, as Longfellow observed, not only separate but also unite 

 mankind. They are an important source of food and minerals for a rapidly 

 developing world society. They control the weather on land as well as at 

 sea. And for many centuries they have been pathways of transportation 

 and trade, linking societies around the globe. 



The science of the oceans is universal, and nations long have collaborated 

 in probing their secrets. These cooperative efforts of our scientists have led 

 to many benefits to science, to economic development, and to international 

 understanding. Now the growing strength of our scientific and technological 

 capa;bilities can offer new rewards for all mankind through an expanded 

 international program to explore the seas and their resources. 



To meet this promise. President Johnson projxjsed on March 8, 1968, an 

 International Decade of Ocean Exploration during the 1970's — a Decade 

 of intensified and sustained international collaboration to plan, develop, 

 and implement programs for exploring the world's oceans. The Decade of 

 cooperative endeavor should set a pattern for other endeavors with tangible 

 rewards— a pattern that can extend both seaward and landward of the 

 water's edge. 



This report elaborates the general character of an International Decade 

 of Ocean Exploration. Its purpose is to foster further development of the 

 Decade concept by scientists, engineers, and representatives from industry 

 and governments. We have not attempted to prejudge the detailed scope of 

 the Decade, the national and international collaborative projects which 

 would develop, nor the international mechanisms for planning and coordi- 

 nation. These aspects must be worked out collectively in the months and 

 years ahead. 



As Chairman of the National Council on Marine Resources and Engi- 

 neering Development, I invite the participation of all nations — large and 

 small — in an adventure limited only by our wisdom, our vision, and our 

 energy. 



iJuutftu 



VICE PRESrOENT 



