A NEW INITIATIVE 113 



As nations undertake major programs in ocean exploration and exploi- 

 tation, the military role of powers may change. Major changes may be 

 sought in the scope and interpretation of current laws and conventions 

 pertaining to the oceans and their resources. Historically, the presence of 

 effective military power at strategic locations in the oceans has exerted a 

 significant influence on the negotiations to effect such changes. 



Factors which could contribute to an international confrontation re- 

 resulting from competition in exploitation of petroleum, mineral, and fish 

 resources of the sea are: 



• Substantial increase in world population will result in an accelerated 

 resource utilization. 



• Increasing industrialization of nations will result in an increase in 

 mineral resource consumption. 



The Army Corps of Engineers has requirements relating to the thorough 

 understanding of the near shore environment as it affects beach construc- 

 tion and similar Army activities. The Army and Air Force in the operation 

 of certain test ranges have requirements for acoustic impact and tracking 

 systems and, in some cases, require deep ocean location and recovery 

 capability. The Bureau of Mines is adapting terrestrial drilUng and sam- 

 pling techniques to the waters of the continental shelf, and may be ex- 

 pected to maintain a strong interest in technology which may have impact 

 on undersea mining capabilities. 



Beyond supporting specific Navy operational requirements, the Deep 

 Ocean Technology program will support additional national objectives. 



• The ocean technology developed to support miUtary requirements 

 in the area of sound scattering in the ocean will also be useful in 

 determining the density, distribution, and migratory patterns of life 

 in the sea. This capability will provide direct support for exploita- 

 tions of food resources. 



• The technology developed for supporting military hydrographic and 

 oceanographic survey requirements are complementary with those 

 required for surveying mineral resources of the sea floor and below. 



• Military requirements in support of ocean observation and predic- 

 tion have and will continue to provide technological spin off to 

 other national interests— commercial shipping, fishing, etc. 



• The technology developed to establish a manned one-atmosphere 

 sea floor laboratory will provide options for improving man's use of 

 the shoreline by projecting commercial marine facilities seaward 

 from urban areas. 



