369 



protection of national interests and for development, preservation and 

 use of the estuarine zones for the overall public good. Such a policy 

 would be helpful in the coordination of Federal programs. 



A STRONGER FEDERAL ROLE 



It is apparent from the above discussion that there are needed ad- 

 ditions to the Federal role and programs and that augmentation would 

 be helpful in certain areas. 



There needs to be added : 



(1) A national policy with specific objectives to provide co- 

 herence to the Federal programs and to lay the basis for better 

 coordination of these programs. This national policy should also 

 contain guidelines to the States based on the policy and objectives. 



(2) A stronger means of coordination of the Federal programs. 

 This could well lie in an interagency group charged with monitor- 

 ing developments and conditions in the estuarine zones and with 

 providing at specified times a review and report of the situation. 



(3) A system of grants to the States to provide them the ability 

 to prepare and implement comprehensive plans for their estuarine 

 zones. These plans and the State organizations behind them could 

 be a strong factor in the effective coordination of Federal 

 programs within the State. 



Augmentation is needed : 



(1) In various technical assistance, research and information 

 programs and the grant programs supporting these. ? 



(2) In the programs of land acquisition in the estuarine zonev 



(3) In strengthening the regulatory and enforcement actm^ 

 ties of the Federal agencies. This in terms of personnel and facili- 

 ties and in terms of strengthened Federal law. The terms of S. 7 

 and H.R. 4148, if passed, will contribute a great deal to this. 



(4) In terms of increased broad studies at the Federal level 

 and jointly with the States. Examples not now authorized are a 

 national port study and studies on site locations for potential 

 electric power generating plants. As noted in the chapter devoted 

 to research needs, continuous broad studies in hydrology, living 

 resources, and ecology are needed, 



(5 ) Increased research effectiveness is needed in terms of better 

 use of existing Federal research facilities through organization 

 and reorientation to broader estuarine problems and their solu- 

 tions. There are also needed additional facilities devoted to re- 

 search in the estuarine zone, probably in the form of a network 

 of estuarine and coastal zone laboratories. Federal in nature but 

 with State participation. 



CONCLUSION 



In very brief conclusion regarding the Federal programs in the 

 estuarine zone, it would appear that both augmentation and better 

 coordination are needed to assist in providing for a strengthened 

 Federal role. There is also needed a national policy and a set of objec- 

 tives to provide the basis for a comprehensive national program of 

 management within which a newer and stronger Federal role will 

 be carried out. 



