strengthening of the marine sciences poses one of the most difficult 
problems of coordination in the organization of science in Govern- 
ment.” It concluded that “it is evident that procedures for formu- 
lating programs within the several agencies are well established but 
that there are deficiencies in coordination between agencies, in pro- 
viding adequate funding, and in the mechanisms for carrying out a 
coordinated national program.” Among its general recommendations 
were: 
1. That as a national objective the Federal Government undertake 
a program for a substantial and orderly expansion of effort in the 
field of oceanography. 
2. That this expansion of the national effort * * * be planned in 
general conformity with the NASCO recommendations as modified 
in the Subcommittee’s report. 
3. That full advantage be taken of existing Federal programs which 
can support training, education, and basic research in oceanography. 
4. That professional oceanographers and interested scientific and 
research institutions take vigorous action to recruit scientists and 
organize educational programs. 
5. That the national program in oceanographic research and sur- 
veys be planned and conducted taking maximum advantage of the 
mutual benefits to be derived from international cooperation. 
The Subcommittee went on to make the following specific recom- 
mendations: 
1. That a permanent interagency committee be established by the 
Federal Council to implement, coordinate, and review a national pro- 
gram in oceanography. 
2. That the Federal agencies concerned develop 10-year plans for 
expansion of their existing programs in oceanography consistent with 
the national objective. 
In late 1959 the Federal Council for Science and Technology ac- 
cepted and endorsed the recommendations of the Subcommittee. 
Oceanography was recognized as an important field requiring addi- 
tional emphasis in the national interest. The Interagency Committee 
on Oceanography (ICO) was established in February 1960 as a per- 
manent committee, charged to provide the essential direction and 
coordination by preparing annually a National Oceanograpic Pro- 
gram, incorporating the Committee’s judgment as to balance and em- 
phasis in terms of both long-range scientific needs and requirements of 
Government agencies. Represented on the ICO were those Federal 
agencies with statutory responsibilities involving the marine environ- 
ment, and observers from NASCO and the Bureau of the Budget. 
Ten-year plans were prepared by each of the member agencies and 
synthesized into a long-range national oceanographic plan for the 
period 1963-72 (“Oceanography, The Ten Years Ahead,” ICO Pam- 
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