211 



During the past year I have discussed these challenges with scientists, engi- 

 neers, business leaders, and local. State, and Federal officials here in Washing- 

 ton, at oceanographic installations in nine coastal states, and in the capitals 

 of six countries of AVestern Europe and one in Asia. These discussions have 

 vividly reflected that these challenges are of concern not only throughout the 

 United States but also throughout the international community. 



For seven years, the Congress and the scientific community have insisted 

 on more intensive action to reap the benefits of the sea. Now the Administration 

 is responding to the Congressional mandate — building on long-standing capabili- 

 ties within eleven Federal departments and agencies and accelerating our prog- 

 ress with a new enthusiasm and determination, a new sense of direction and 

 momentum. We are : 



Identifying goals, and milestones to reach these goals ; 

 Setting priorities ; 



Developing purposeful programs to bring our ocean interests into balance 

 with our overall national interests ; 



Clarifying agency responsibilities to develop individual and collective 

 capabilities ; and 



Mobilizing our resources — Government, academic, and industrial. 

 We singled out a number of marine science areas for particular emphasis 

 during P^Y 19G8, and by concentrating diverse projects on a selected number of 

 objectives have begun to obtain a greater effect from a still modest enterprise. 

 We are critically examining the opportunities for FY 1969, realizing that cur- 

 rent actions will significantly affect the course we chart during the next several 

 year.s. 



Certain of these programs are the responsibility of a single agency ; but in- 

 creasingly, new programs cross agency lines. The Council is taking steps to 

 prevent unnecessary duplication and to ensure that program gaps do not occur. 

 The areas identified for priority attention during FY 1968 are : 



A new "Food-from-the-sea" program as part of the war on hunger, in- 

 cluding overseas demonstration projects utilizing fish protein concentrate ; 

 Immediate implementation of the Sea Grant program to strengthen edu- 

 cation, applied research and information transfer ; 



A new study for improved collection and dissemination of oceanographic 

 (lata ; 



Designation of the Chesapeake Bay as a model to study the effects of 

 estuarine pollution and remedial measures ; 

 A pilot plan for offshore minerals exploration ; 



An expanded ocean observation system to improve near-shore weather pre- 

 diction for small boats and oil facilities and accuracy of long-range fore- 

 casting ; 



A strengthened program of deep ocean technology especially to develop 

 a future capability to recover lost equipment ; 



A new ship to accelerate research in sub-Arctic waters; and 

 Programs for international cooperation to promote peaceful use of the 

 oceans. 

 Since formulating these Fiscal Year 1968 recommendations, the Council has 

 studied a number of separate policy and program issues. Those made public 

 concern such matters as the marine resources resolution introduced last fall 

 at the United Nations General Assembly calling for examination by the Secre- 

 tary General of international marine science activities ; initiatives for Latin 

 American cooperation announced by President Johnson at Punta del Este ; a 

 joint study by the Departments of Interior and Transportation concerning TOR- 

 REY-CANYON-type pollution incidents; a recommendaton that the Navy's 

 Transit satellite system be made available for oceanographic and commercial 

 ships and that the Department of Transportation be assigned responsibility 

 to develop plans for an updated national navigation plan for civilian use. Addi- 

 tionally, we anticipate that during the next few days we shall make constructive 

 suggestions at the United Nations regarding the further evolution of the law 

 of the sea. 



Where policy or program activities cross agency lines, and are of continuing 

 nature, it has been desirable to develop proposals for Council action through a 

 committee structure. These have been established on a selected basis as the mini- 

 mum necessary to achieve purposes of the Council. These committees concern: 

 (1) Marine research, education and facilities. 



