THE WHITE HOUSE 
WASHINGTON 
June 17, 1966 
Nature has lavished incredible bounty on this earth. Warmed 
daily by the sun, nourished by the land, sustained by atmosphere 
and water, man takes these riches largely for granted and often 
complains when they fail to suit his convenience exactly. But 
man can also use his energies and talents, constructively, to 
improve his surroundings. 
Much of our natural bounty consists of water. A source of fish 
and transport to the ancients, as they are today, the oceans of 
the world hold great promise to provide future generations with 
minerals, food, energy, and fresh water. We must turn our 
attention to finding more appropriate ways and better means of 
transforming this promise into achievement. 
This comprehensive report presents the findings and conclusions 
of a group of outstanding men who are deeply concerned to learn 
more about the oceans and how they can be made to serve mankind. 
I commend it to all who share that concern and ask the appropriate 
agencies and councils of the Federal Government to consider its 
recommendations. 
II 
