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Essential Elements of a Ongoing, Healthy National Ocean Science Effort 



Basic oceanographic research has been funded largely by the Office of Naval 

 Research (ONR) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), agencies whose missions 

 include maintaining the long-term excellpnf-'" anrl vitality nf orpjin science in this country. 

 Fundamental investigations sponsored by NSF and ONR are complemented by research 

 supported by a number of agencies that require more specific information related to resource 

 management and regulatory oversight. The more focused, "mission-oriented" research is an 

 essentia] component of this nation's ocean science effort because it sustains a reliable base of 

 critical, long-term observations of oceanic conditions and processes (such as that provided by 

 the weather and climate research programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

 Administration [NOAA]). Mission-related research also provides valuable insights into 

 oceanic processes critical to the health and vitality of marine ecosystems and resources. A 

 strong national effort in ocean science with an appropriate balance of both types of research 

 is the key to long-term success. As stated in the recent NRC report Allocating Federal 

 Funds for Science and Technology: 



The growth of federal science and technology from multiple roots in mission 

 agencies has resulted in a pluralistic research and development system. 

 Although some may see needless overlap in such a system, in reality pluralism 

 is a great source of strength, an advantage over the ways research and 



