Summary of Major Findings and 
Recommendations 
INTRODUCTION 
The PSAC Panel on Oceanography was formed in May 1965 at a 
time when widespread and intense controversy existed concerning 
the adequacy of our national effort to explore, understand and devel- 
op the oceans. The controversy was illustrated by congressional hear- 
ings held in the summer of 1965 on some 19 bills submitted during the 
first session of the 89th Congress and by the formation of special indus- 
trial groups to examine oceanography. The Panel completed its 
report in June 1966 just as enactment of the Marine Resources and 
Engineering Development Act of 1966 assured the encouragements of 
a comprehensive and continuing long-range national program for the 
effective use of the sea. 
Oceanography is defined in various ways depending on the concern 
of the definer. The Panel has adopted the broad view, prevalent in 
the Congress and industry, that oceanography connotes more than 
scientific study of the sea. In this report oceanography refers to 
activities within the ocean that have significant scientific or techno- 
logical content. 
In its studies the Panel had four principal objectives: 
1. To draft a statement of goals for a national program to serve the 
marine interests of the United States and to define the Federal role 
in pursuit of these goals. 
2. To assess current and planned ocean-oriented programs for tech- 
nical soundness, adequacy of scope, balance of content, appropriate- 
ness of organization, funding, and management in light of relevant 
national goals. 
3. To identify major opportunities for new programs in technology 
and science that should be given high priority in the next 5 to 10 
years. 
4, To recommend measures to effect an ocean science and technology 
program consonant with national needs and interests. 
Vil 
