— developing purposeful programs to bring our ocean interests into balance 



with our overall national interests 



— clarifying agency responsibilities to develop individual and collective 



capabilities 



— mobilizing our resources — Government, academic, and individual 



We singled out a number of marine science areas for particular emphasis dur- 

 ing FY 19GS, and by concentrating diverse projects on a selected number of ob- 

 jectives have begun to obtain a greater effect from a still modest enterprise. We 

 are critically examining the opportunities for FY 1969, realizing that current 

 actions will significantly affect the course we chart during the next several years. 



Certain of these programs are the responsibility of a single agency ; but in- 

 creasingly, new programs cross agency lines. The Council is taking steps to pre- 

 vent unnecessary duplication and to ensure that program gaps do not occur. 



We are fortunate to have a close association with the advisory Commission 

 on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources. While the Commission and the 

 Council are independent, we are at the same time working harmoniously to- 

 gether toward common goals. We are looking forward to the Commission's rec- 

 ommendations to the President and to the Congress concerning a national plan 

 and the most appropriate future structure of the Federal Government to carry 

 out statuory purposes. 



Most of the mysteries of the sea remain cloaked before us. Most of its resources 

 remain untapped. Most of its potential to serve national goals remains un- 

 awakened. To realize this opportunity depends on a creative partnership of our 

 Federal Government with States, with universities and research organizations, 

 and with industry. 



We also look forward to increased activities by other Nations with whom we 

 seek further international cooperation and collaboration — in scientific research 

 and in a framework of law by which the sea may serve all men. 



Pure logic and practical economics dictate this program. However, not to be 

 forgotten is man's compelling desire to explore and to understand the world 

 around him. The spirit which has carried us to rugged mountain peaks, remote 

 polar icecaps, and distant reaches of outerspace now propels us to the ocean 

 deeps. This spirit is fortified with a confidence developed by past contributions 

 of science that we will not only conquer the ocean deeps but will use them in satis- 

 fying the needs of our society. 



In concluding, may I say how much I welcome this continuing interest by the 

 Congress in what is both an enormously complex set of issues and an untapped 

 set of opportunities to study and utilize the sea to serve man. This is a program 

 that has support by both Executive and Legislative branches of Government, free 

 of partisan controversy, and I look forward to our working further with the 

 Congress in serving our mutual interests. 

 Sincerely, 



Hubert H. Hxjmphre-e. 



Dr. Wenk. Mr. Chairman, the Vice President's letter establishes 

 the broad perspective of the administration's concepts and goals for 

 intensified activities associated with the sea. He has dealt with the 

 question: "Why accelerate marine science and technology?" 



I should like to supplement this perspective with discussion of two 

 questions : "What has the Federal Government done this past year in 

 formulating policies and plans?" and "How does the Council assist 

 the President in their formulation ?" 

 _ The point of departure is the legislative mandate that for the first 

 time in U.S. history established an explicit national policy to develop, 

 encourage, and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range 

 national program in marine sciences for the benefit of mankind. Al- 

 though both the Council and Commission that were established to facil- 

 itate implementation of the act have statutory termination dates, your 

 declaration of purpose and the assignment of responsibility to the 

 President do not have termination dates. 



In my view, this legislation marks a turning point in our Nation's 

 interests in the sea. It recognizes that previous investments in the quest 

 for scientific knowledge have borne fruit and that we should inten- 



