365 



For those national interests of commerce and navigation, the 

 chart shows a series of activities both contributing and controlling, 

 for this is essentially a direct Federal responsibility. 



Commerce supplies the necessary mapping and charting for naviga- 

 tional purposes, the marine weather service and port development. The 

 Coast Guard under Transportation regulates waterborne commerce 

 and maintains navigational aids. The Corps of Engineers maintains 

 the navigable waters and the Department of Health, Education, and 

 Welfare maintains a marine health program. Since commercial ship- 

 ping is one of the most valuable and efficient uses of the estuarine zone 

 these Federal services can be considered adequate to meet the national 

 interests, at least under current law and funding. 



Nevertheless, as pointed out in the Report of the Commission on 

 Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources, and in other studies, 

 rapidly changing trends in shipping — containerization and larger 

 ships among other things — make a review of the situation necessary. A 

 thorough study and national survey covering future requirements is 

 needed. 



In regard to national security, as a national interest in the estu- 

 arine zone, the Federal programs appear to be adequate. The Navy 

 as a user relies on the same support programs as does other commerce. 

 Major naval bases, of course, are in the same area and all the logistic 

 support of the many facets of defense beyond the continental limits 

 pass through the area. 



THE COORDINATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS IN THE ESTUARINE ZONE 



With many different Federal agencies managing active and im- 

 portant programs in the estuarine zone, the question is frequently 

 asked, "How is coordination accomplished with this multitude of pro- 

 grams?", or, "Is there any coordination at all?" The assumption is 

 usually made that it's all a very thorough mess and there is no proper 

 control over the situation. In truth, there is coordination and there is 

 progress in obtaining better coordination, yet there are some serious 

 weaknesses, and corrective action is needed. 



Specific means of coordination 



From the chart several distinct and important means of coordina- 

 tion can be seen. These are : 



(1) Working closely with State and local counterparts in the devel- 

 opment of programs and in mutual assistance — joint projects and 

 studies — data gathering and exchange of information; 



(2) The administration of grants and subsidies — joint review of 

 plans and applications ; 



(3) Regulatory activities — permits, licensing and enforcement of 

 Federal laws; 



(4) Statutes, Executive orders. Bureau of the Budget circulars; 



(5) Memoranda of agreement; and 



(6) The work of the Water Resources Council and its river basin 

 commission and interagency organizations. 



The means of coordination are many — ^the point in question is "How 

 do they work and what are the results?" — at State and Federal levels. 



