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stocks, resulting in conflict, at times violent, over this limited resource. This plateau in one 



of the world's most important food supplies, viewed in the context of an increasing world 

 population, can only serve to exacerbate tensions in the post-Cold War era. This challenge is 

 so important that the National Academy of Sciences has awarded funds to the Ocean Studies 

 Board to conduct a study on ecosystem management for sustainable marine ilsheries. 



In addition to maintaining fisheries resources, our nation is faced with other pressing 

 marine problems whose timely solution will require increased cooperation between the 

 federal government, academia, and the private sector, including: 



• Economic Competitiveness, Basic and applied research in the marine sciences and 

 engineering is necessary to achieve and maintain a competitive position in a host of fields, 

 including marine biotechnology, aquaculture, hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and 

 production, maritime transportation, fisheries, treatment and disposal of waste, and 

 freshwater extraction. 



• National Security, Experience gained from naval activities in the Persian Gulf 

 during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm highlights the need for better information 

 related to oceanic and coastal processes and to maritime operations and transportation. 



• Coastal Hazards, The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season of 1995 was one of the most 

 severe in this century, occurring at a time when the memories of hurricanes Hugo and 

 Andrew were still fresh in the minds of many citizens of the southeastern United States. 

 Land loss due to coastal erosion threatens significant portions of U.S. coasts, destroying 

 wetlands and the beach resources of many coastal states. 



