NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM—1965 
In 1963, the Federal Council approved the ICO’s 
Long Range National Oceanographic Plan (1963- 
1972) (ICO Pamphlet No. 10) which sets forth 
in systematic form the objectives of the program, 
substantive plans, requirements for funds, man- 
power, ships, and facilities, and roles of partici- 
II. OCEANIC RESEARCH TO 
The Long Range Plan states that the national 
goal is “To comprehend the world ocean, its 
boundaries, its properties, and its processes, and 
to exploit this comprehension in the public in- 
terest, in enhancement of our security, our cul- 
ture, our international posture, and our economic 
growth.” 
It is important to note that this statement and 
its elaboration express the harmony of views of 
the National Academy representing the scientific 
community, the Federal Council representing the 
President and Executive Departments, and the 
Congress representing the nation as a whole. 
Specific objectives or applications of our oceano- 
graphic research program reflected in this broad 
statement of goals arise from the following six 
national needs to: 
A. Improve National Defense 
B. Manage Resources in the World Ocean 
C. Facilitate Intelligent Legislation and Regula- 
tion 
. Safeguard Public Health 
Protect Life and Property Ashore 
Strengthen Basic Science 
. Conserve Resources Held in Common 
. Recognition of Foreign Policy Implications 
Ome o 
A. Improve National Defense 
This Nation is dedicated to preserving world 
peace. As a matter of policy we maintain military 
capabilities necessary to meet challenges to the 
peace. As a matter of policy, we maintain military 
—the Polaris deterrent, antisubmarine and mine 
counter-measure forces, carrier attack and amphib- 
ious forces—all depend for safe, effective operation 
on accurate knowledge of the ocean environment. 
Development of nuclear propelled submarines 
makes submerged operation for very long periods 
possible, and this creates in the under-sea region 
an arena for extensive naval operations, one that 
must become familiar to us. It is essential that we 
observe and study the sea from the surface to the 
575 
pating agencies for its development over the com- 
ing decade. The President approved and _ for- 
warded this plan to Congress through the Council 
Chairman. The FY 1965 budget is the first of the 
annual ICO budgets which has been prepared 
within the context of the Long Range Plan. 
MEET NATIONAL GOALS 
ocean floor, the topography of the bottom, the 
peculiarities of sound transmission through the 
sea, the many complex effects of ocean turbulence, 
currents, fish and plankton concentrations on naval 
operations, especially on the detection and track- 
ing of underwater vehicles. This information is 
essential if we are to use the sea for concealment, 
and if we are to anticipate the concealment which 
our competitors may attempt. 
B. Manage Resources in the World Ocean 
Fish are a potent source of protein for the diets 
of many underfed peoples of the world. But we 
know very little of growth patterns and habits of 
particular fish, reasons for their migration, or of 
means to increase stocks and catches. 
Ocean water and especially the ocean bed may 
be the source of minerals that the world must ex- 
ploit when ores and fossil fuels now found on land 
are depleted. These resources are now unknown 
in richness and distribution. Extensive, sophisti- 
cated surveys may be required to inventory this 
potential. 
C. Facilitate Intelligent Legislation and Regulation 
The “law of the sea” has historically been more 
conscientiously accepted as a code of international 
behavior than any other. Yet changes in prevailing 
rights of sovereignty, transit, and conservation in- 
creasingly depend on technological facts and sci- 
entific understanding. State as well as Federal 
legislators and policy makers must increasingly 
depend on oceanic science. When the interests 
of recreation, commercial fishing, sport fishing, oil 
exploration, and waste disposal compete for use of 
the same coastal resources, wise decisions that ex- 
tend beyond preservation of the status quo can 
only be based on the fullest knowledge of the 
properties of the sea and its coastal areas. Inter- 
national disputes on defense aspects and fishing 
rights, which now occur with greater frequency, 
and matters of ownership of undersea mineral re- 
