694 



8 



The NRC report established a broad "framework in which improved partnerships ... can 

 sustain the advances of the past, and lead our country and the world to greater 

 understanding of the many roles the oceans play in human life." 



Appropriately, the definition of a "partnership" in the current context is consistent with 

 - but expanded upon, to include private sector interests - the definition provided by the 

 NRC report: 



"As the context in which oceanography is conducted changes, how can federal agencies, private 

 industry, local jurisdictions, and oceanographers in academic institutions, government and the 

 private sector '^ strengthen and improve their cooperative efforts? In general, partnerships must 

 be extended beyond financial relationships to include the sharing of intellect, experience, data, 

 instrument development, facilities and labor." 



The proactive nature of such a proposed campaign is founded upon the recognition of 

 certain trends and 'drivers' which point oceanographic researchers toward new areas of 

 applicability. Some excimples include: 



Global environmental concerns 



The Law of the Sea, the debates concerning sustainable development, as well as 

 renewed interest in 'open ocean' resources (living and non-living), have put an 

 emphasis on the careful use and understanding of the environment, including the 

 'Global Confvmor\s' (i.e. those ocean areas outside of the Exclusive Economic Zones 

 of coastal nations). 



Explosions in technology and communications 



The ability to place highly sensitive instnmients deep in the ocean, or far into space, 

 with long-term monitoring potential has only recently become a reality. Similarly, 

 high-speed, wide bandwidth data transmission now allows information and docu- 

 mentation to be sent to and from the most remote sites on Earth, with relative ease. 



Restructuring of national security 



Our nation's security demands diligent consideration to a diverse set of threats. 

 Vulnerability includes our economic infrastructure and the communications 

 networks upon which our society depends so critically. 



National educational reform 



A recognition of the need for systemic reform in our educational systems, from 

 kindergarten through graduate school has developed rapidly since 1990. All levels 

 are being rethought, with respect to curriculum reform, teacher enhancement, career 

 guidance, integrated, constructivist and cooperative learning, as well as use of 

 educational materials. 



Underlined sections added here are not peirt of the NRC Report. 



