718 



32 



Federal agencies seek mordes from more than fort}^ authorization and appropriation 

 Conunittees and Subcommittees. In light of the breadth of national missions invoking 

 ocean sciences (Table 1), a focus for Congressional interests is urgently needed. An 

 integratmg process does not now exist. The task force we are proposing satisfies that 

 need. 



The fundamental objective of a congressional task force would be to provide a forum of 

 information exchange for oceanography and an opportunity for members of Congress 

 to understand its impact on the many business and social sectors that are associated 

 with national defense, economic growth, and quality of life. 



A partnership of members of Congress, industry, academia, and others will provide an 

 understanding of budget realities, pressure and prioritization in and outside of the 

 government arena. Without a full understanding budget decisions may be made 

 adversely for oceanography. Conversely, where new opportvmities exist for national 

 security or industrial growth, members may seek positive budget adjustments for 

 oceanographic endeavors that will enhance the discipline. 



The product from such a task force will be a cohesion of practical leaders supporting 

 oceanography in those budget lines that require state-of-the-art oceanographic 

 products. The fact that the partnership (cross-agency and industrial) can provide a 

 "good news", cost savings initiative on the part of the oceanographic community will 

 demonstrate that we are not "business as usual" thinkers. 



Pass Ocean Partnership Legislation 



There are two major milestones in the approach to strengthening the impact on 

 society of the oceanographic community: visibility and backing. The oceanographic 

 community is not limited in its ideas for implementation of new partnerships (in 

 fact, the Interagency' Partnership Initiative served to generate over 100 specific ideas 

 for new partnerships). The visibilit}' required to launch this partnership irutiative 

 can be accommodated through the development of the task force described above. 

 Backing must come in the form of substantive support, specifically as enabling 

 legislation which also defines the structure and operation of the National Ocean 

 Leadership Council. 



Legislation supporting the definition, development and implementation of 

 partnerships in oceanography will provide the impetus needed at a critical time. 

 The United States is looked upon by the world as a leader in both technology and 

 policy for the marine environment. Nearly thirty years ago this nation took a bold 

 step forward in redefining our national investment in ocean sciences, through the 

 implementation of the recommendations of the Stratton Corrunission. The 

 opportunity for a 'reinvention' of federal support for oceanography is upon us. 

 Through legislation %vritten in defense of developing ocean partnerships this 

 corrunuiiity of researchers and educators will be charged with identifying specific 

 mechanisms to position our nation in a leadership role. Congress will be laying the 

 groundwork to carry oceanography and our society into the next millennium. 



