351 



and of resources that affect water. This is done through grants and 

 contracts with academic and private institutions, private firms, indi- 

 viduals, and public agencies through operations in 50 States and 

 Puerto Rico. Most of the studies are on water supply augmentation 

 and conservation, while others are concerned with water quality man- 

 agement and protection, water quantity management and control, 

 water resources planning, and the hydrological cycle. 



In summary. Interior's programs cover most of the major resources 

 and uses of the estuarine zone, including the rapidly increasing recrea- 

 tional use and the unquantified aesthetic values. 



The DepartmeMt of Gominerce 



The Department of Commerce is another organization whose pro- 

 grams have a direct and significant effect on the beneficial uses of 

 the estuarine zones. Because estuarine zones are used for sea commerce, 

 the Department of Conmierce, and especially the Maritime Adminis- 

 tration and the Environmental Science Services Administration 

 (ESS A), are concerned with these areas. Action primarily is directed 

 toward collection of navigational data and the development of harbor 

 and port facilities. The Office of Business Economics, the Bureau of 

 the Census, and the Economic Development Administration are in- 

 directly involved in these efforts. 



The Maritime Administration has statutory responsibilities for 

 promoting and encouraging the development of an American-flag mer- 

 chant marine and U.S. ports and related transportation facilities in 

 connection with waterbome commerce. In recent years, the Maritime 

 Administration has become increasingly aware of the detrimental ef- 

 fects of harbor pollution and is involved in activities to solve this 

 problem. With the advent of nuclear powered vessels and the resulting 

 radioactive discharges, the Administration has worked towards the 

 establishment of stringent standards to prevent radioactive contamina- 

 tion of harbor waters. Contracts for the development of devices to de- 

 tect and prevent oil pollution of harbors have been let ; the results of- 

 this research have been published. This agency is also involved in com- 

 prehensive research studies with several other agencies to investigate 

 the requirements of a national system of ports. The proposed study 

 would consider long-range U.S. port and transportation needs, includ- 

 ing detailed analysis of, recommended solutions for, and specific prob- 

 lems generated by rapidly changing shipping technology such as "the 

 supercarrier." In the process important interrelationships between 

 transportation, urban renewal and estuarine resource developments 

 could be identified. 



ESS A provides a direct and important service through its mission 

 of mapping and charting the coast and harbors of the United States 

 and its territories. In addition, it provides the adjunctive services of 

 tide and current information, marine weather service, hurricane and 

 tsunami warnings and various other supplemental services relating to 



