10 



patrol in subpolar oceanograpliic research. This particular research 

 field has been somewhat neglected. It requires special instruments and 

 ice traversing capabilities. The Coast Guard proposed that the replace- 

 ment ship for the overage "Evergreen" could simultaneously be 

 equipped as a specialized vessel for work in these regions while serving 

 its patrol functions. This particular item has encountered some diffi- 

 culties in the Appropriations Committee, and I know I speak for the 

 Vice President and the entire Council in expressing our appreciation, 

 Mr. Chairman, for your personal support and that of your committee 

 in statements on the floor that explained the importance of this 

 program. 



Since formulating these fiscal year 1968 recommendations, the Coun- 

 cil has gone on to study a number of separate policy and program 

 issues. Those made public concern such matters as the marine re- 

 sources resolution introduced last fall at the United National General 

 Assembly calling for examination by the Secretary General of inter- 

 national marine science activities : 



initiatives for Latin American cooperation announced by Pres- 

 ident Johnson at Punte del Este ; 



_ a joint study by the Departments of Interior and Transporta- 

 tion concerning Torrey Canyon-type, pollution incidents ; 



a recommendation that the Na\^'s transit satellite system be 

 made available for oceanographic and commercial ships and that 

 the Department of Transportation be assigned responsibility to 

 develop plans for an updated national navigation plan for civilian 

 use. 



In accordance with terms of the legislation, the Council has initi- 

 ated a number of legal studies to analyze the current framework of 

 international and domestic law that affects sovereignty on the seas and 

 development of their resources. We are examining implications of pos- 

 sible changes to such legal regimes as they would help serve our na- 

 tional interest by advancing the objectives of the act. 



We are now looking ahead to the next fiscal year. As the Vice Pres- 

 ident noted, the proposals under study will affect the future course 

 and speed of the Nation's program in marine sciences almost for the 

 next 2 years. 



In the international area, we are considering how other nations may 

 join the United States with funds and manpower for joint exploration 

 of the sea. Both the developing and the developed nations can con- 

 tribute and benefit from these activities. We are examining Avhich pro- 

 grams can best be conducted in concert with other nations and whether 

 individual programs should be on a bilateral or multilateral basis. 



We are considering the appropriate role of the Federal Government 

 in relation to States. In fact, Mr. Chairman, we are placing special 

 emphasis on this question of how to participate with the individual 

 States and regions in the United States, to look at their local prob- 

 lems. We have detected a widespread and spontaneous surge of local 

 initiative and we are looking at means by which these areas may 

 analyze their special problems and coordinate their local interests with 

 those of the Federal Government. 



We are examining Government-industry roles and relationships, 

 especially to encourage private initiative to develop resources on public 

 lands of the Continental Shelf. 



