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search in oceanography peaked during World War II from demands 
of submarine warfare. It then again subsided. ; 
In 1959, the National Academy of Sciences, after two previous un- 
successful attempts, reawakened our Nation to the contrast between 
the support for study of the sea and its potential. In response, Federal 
investments during the early 1960’s began to increase, especially to 
strengthen research, manpower, ships and facilities. _ 
While such developments were essential to underpin healthy growth 
in this field, by themselves they proved inadequate. The Congress 
after a long inquiry passed Public Law 89-454, the Marine Resources 
and Engineering Development Act, which explicitly set forth con- 
gressional views of the President’s responsibility for leadership and 
steadying influence for marine science activities carried on as parts 
of the missions of 11 Federal departments and agencies. 
The act also set forth an unprecedented statement of national 
purpose. That mandate together with a vice-presidentially chaired 
Council to advise and assist the President, helped extend interest in 
scientific oceanography that was motivated largely by random curios- 
ity into activities that related the oceans to people and their concerns. 
Four circumstances had separately occurred to spur this new out- 
look, and in a sense to force oceanography to come of age: 
First, concern was growing about the role of the oceans in national 
defense. 
Second, we recognized that marine resources could help meet our 
Nation’s and mankind’s most pressing economic and social needs. 
Third, powerful new marine technology was evolving that would 
make these aspirations possible. 
__ Fourth, interest by other nations began to be manifested in poten- 
tial benefits to be derived from the sea. 
It is only 8 years since the Marine Sciences Act was signed. Ordi- 
narily this would be considered a short time in affairs of Government 
to consider another major change. Yet your hearings this summer 
mark an inquiry that was anticipated by provisions of the act itself: 
The act created the advisory Commission to look to the future and 
consider whether new policies or additional governmental machinery 
are needed to meet long-term needs and opportunities, and it author- 
ized the Marine Council only as an interim body, so as not to inhibit 
options that might be considered by the Commission, and subsequently 
by the executive and legislative branches. 
Vice President Agnew characterized the 1960’s as a “Decade of 
Preparation,” and the 1970's as the “Decade of Realization.” In that 
context, the next few years thus become a critical fulcrum for por- 
tentous steps to meet the oceanic challenge. 
THE DECADE OF PREPARATION 
Any desire for greater accomplishment should not blind us as to 
how far we have come, and how weak and primitive were the be- 
einnings of this endeavor. 
During the Decade of Preparation, funding for research and ex- 
ploration was increased by over a factor of five. We added 50 ships 
totaling 65,000 tons to our oceanographic fleet. Training and educa- 
tion of high talent were emphasized so that, compared to a decade ago, 
