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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM—1965 
Chapter IT 
NATIONAL GOALS IN OCEANOGRAPHY 
THe NaTIONAL GOAL IN OCEANOGRAPHY: To 
comprehend the world ocean, its boundaries, its proper- 
ties, and its processes, and to exploit this comprehension 
in the public interest, in enhancment of our security, 
our culture, our international posture, and our economic 
growth. 
To show that the long-range plan in oceanog- 
raphy derives logically from considerations of the 
national interest as expressed by the above- 
mentioned national goal is desirable, but not 
easy. Each of us perceives the national interest in 
his own way, relating it—quite properly—to his 
own interest. In a democracy the national interest 
is in fact a collective expression of regional, sec- 
tional, local, institutional, and individual interests, 
and as these evolve, change, and interact with 
each other and our environment so the national 
interest appears ina variable and shifting light. 
Nevertheless, something abides to which we all 
respond; the recent growth in oceanography from 
a ten-million-dollar enterprise involving only a 
few hundred professional workers in 1953 to one 
thirteenfold greater in 1963 pursued by a few 
thousand demonstrates how greatly the seas have 
begun to evoke this response from present-day 
Americans. Even if the more conservative projec- 
tions of this plan apply, at least a further doubling 
in annual financial effort can be expected before 
the end of the next decade, and if some of the 
possibilities which are promising but as yet un- 
certain come to pass the amount could be far 
greater still. 
Such figures, like the statements of public ofh- 
cials that oceanography is of vital importance to 
the Nation,* the declared intention of Congress 
that the United States capability in this field be 
second to none, and the vigorous efforts of num- 
erous representatives of the oceanographic com- 
munity such as the National Academy of Sciences 
Committee on Oceanography to promote a public 
awareness of oceanography’s scientific and social 
significance, are indices—though not explana- 
tions—of the extent to which oceanography is 
*See, for example, the President’s Budget Message to Congress, 
March 1961. 
SUBORDINATE Goats: Strengthening Basic Science 
Improving National Defense 
Managing Resources in the World Ocean 
Managing Resources in Domestic Waters 
Protecting Life and Property; Insuring the 
Safety of Operations at Sea 
related to the national interest. For an explana- 
tion we must turn to more specific and concrete 
matters, the goals and responsibilities of the 
Federal Government. 
Government is the principal agent for further- 
ing the national interest. For this purpose it is 
possible to identify certain continuing goals. As 
stated in a recent publication by a distinguished 
nonpartisan group of leaders in modern Amer- 
ican thought, “The paramount goal of the United 
States was set long ago. It is to guard the rights of 
the individual, to ensure his development, and to 
enhance his opportunity.” It may be considered 
that oceanography supports the maritime aspects 
of this goal. 
In pursuit of this goal, the Federal Government 
has assumed a number of specific responsibilities. 
Those relating to defense and the general welfare 
for which a knowledge of the oceans is particu- 
larly pertinent are shared by some 16 agencies and 
bureaus within almost all the major departments 
of the Executive. To see why oceanography has 
moved nearer the center of the stage represented 
by the diverse activities of these departments, it 
is instructive to examine the missions and roles 
with which these agencies are collectively charged. 
A. Strengthening Basic Science 
The Federal Government has in recent years 
financed an ever-increasing share of the Naticn’s 
research and development activity. During the cur- 
rent fiscal year, this share’ is estimated at about 
t+NASCO's 1959 report “Oceanography 1960-1970" is generally 
considered responsible for stimulating much of the growth and ‘interest 
the field is experiencing today. 
¢“Goals for Americans,” The Report of the President's Commission 
on National Goals, 1960, by the American Assembly, Columbia Uni- 
versity. 
