8.0. Current Status 
This section sumarizes the current status of marine science and 
technology in terms of recent history and predicted growth. We have 
attempted to minimize duplication with the reports of the National 
Academy of Sciences and the Interagency Committee on Oceanog- 
raphy,’ and thus have not included a description of the number of 
laboratories and research ships. However, the current organization, 
financial support, and manpower are crucial to many of our recom- 
mendations. 
8.1. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 
Activities in marine sciences and technology tend to be interdisciph- 
nary and as a rule lack strong professional or academic traditions. 
Only recently have professional groups developed in ocean technol- 
ogy. Organizations concerned with broad aspects of geophysics and 
biology, as well as smaller groups devoted primarily to the oceans, are 
involved with scientific aspects of oceanography. As a result integra- 
tion of work in marine science and technology is accomplished by 
complex interacting organizations and committees which differ in 
certain respects from those of other fields. Scientific and profes- 
sional societies have committees, publications, and annual meetings. 
Ad hoc or continuing groups within industrial associations organize 
frequent symposia to consider special problems. News of general and 
particular industrial interest appears in trade publications. Direc- 
tors of academic oceanographic laboratories meet, usually informally, 
to consider common interests. Regional associations coordinate ac- 
tivities of Government, industry, and academic groups. Organiza- 
tions overlap to considerable extent ; consequently, there is an intimate 
and fairly rapid exchange of information and opinion. 
The Federal organization for marine sciences and technology de- 
*“Oceanography 1960 to 1970,” NAS-NRC Committee on Oceanography.  Is- 
sued in 12 parts, 1959-60. 
“Oceanography, the Ten Years Ahead,” ICO Pamphlet 10, 1963. 
“Oceanography, Achievements and Opportunities,” NAS-NRC Committee on 
Oceanography (in preparation) ; we are indebted to the committee for allowing 
us access to current drafts of the manuscript. 
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