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geology, chemistry, eind biology, we teach them to see the connections among the 

 disciplines. By using real-life scenarios such as the collapse of the George's Bank 

 fishery, they learn to understand political and economic realities. Such programs 

 demonstrate that oceanography can be an ideal model for understanding and 

 developing broad societal solutior\s. 



So, where do we begin? We have to think of the whole and ask ourselves 

 where should our country be in the future. I would love to give you the perfect 

 solution to solve the forementioned problems. I can't. However, I envision steps 

 and directions which should commence immediately. 



I recommend that we begin a collaboration among the components of our 

 national "ecosystem"--economic, educational, cultural, and environmental. 

 Specifically, a national policy can help develop solutions for the future in the 

 following areas: 



• education: We need a population that is both technologically and 

 biologically aware. Introduce a coherent and integrated program based on the whole 

 picture to primary and secondary students and teachers, incorporating local field 

 trips, lectures, summer camps, etc. The aquatic environment provides an excellent 

 medium for such study, since the need for water exists in all communities and is 

 important for all life functions. Such a program will result in a better 

 Tonderstanding of science and technology, as well as a heightened awareness of the 

 world surrounding us and our connections to it. Children taught by such programs 

 will pass this learning on to their parents. 



At the college level, continue to nourish, in lively ways, the interest in 

 science. Marine biology is one discipline which at the undergraduate level provides 

 a thorough understanding of the sciences but does not preclude other fields of 

 employment. Upon graduation we will have a scientifically and technically literate 

 person who can continue in the sciences or other disciplines. 



