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was prepared by a group of fifteen distinguished Americans from industry, 
academia, and Government, only four of whom are directly identified with 
oceanography. The Report considers emerging legal, economic, and political 
issues related to the use of our coastlines and the deep ocean, outlines the role 
of ocean science and technology and environmental services of Federal agencies, 
and sets forth proposals to strengthen these efforts. 
The Report does not treat the Navy’s role in national security, nor the role of 
our merchant marine; it does not develop detailed economic justification for 
program recommendations, nor select priorities. 
Nevertheless, the Report identifies numerous opportunities to develop a more 
effective and concerted national—not just Federal—effort in ocean and atmos- 
pheric activities. 
PROGRAM PROPOSALS 
The Commission recommends strengthening some ongoing and introducing new 
ocean and atmospheric programs, particularly: 
To foster wise and productive use of coastal resources by (a) establish- 
ing a Federal grant program to encourage creation of State authorities for 
coastal area planning and management, (bd) establishing coastal zone labora- 
tories, and (c) planning regional port development. 
To expand ocean exploration of coastal and deep sea resources and weather 
forecasting services to serve a wide range of public and private interests. 
To improve the economic position of the U.S. fishing industry ot meet 
foreign competition. 
To establish national regional laboratories and provide a stronger, more 
stable base of support for these laboratories, academic eee see and man- 
‘ power training. 
To encourage development of ocean resources with a minimum of inter- 
national conflict, by U.S. initiatives defining a legal regime for the deep 
ocean floor. 
To initiate a long-range Federal contract program in basic marine tech- 
nology, so as to develop a capability to work in the entire marine environ- 
ment; e.g., a continental shelf laboratory. 
Comment.—Agencies generally supported the goals of these proposed pro- 
grams; some activity in support of these goals is already underway building on 
a Government-wide science base in civilian marine and atmospheric affairs of 
$350 million per year. The proposals are, however, technically, organizationally, 
and politically complex, and the agencies had mixed reactions as to details of 
further implementation. Most would require additional funding. 
Recommendation #1. I recommend that (1) agencies consider the potential of 
the marine environment and take the Commission’s program recommendations 
into account when developing their FY 1971 and future programs and priorities ; 
and (2) the Marine Sciences Council continue to review recommendations, for- 
mulate multiagency programs where needed, follow up on agency actions, and ad- 
vise and assist you in setting priorities, resolving policy issues and assuring that 
agency activities are effectively coordinated. 
ORGANIZATIONAL PROPOSALS 
To meet needs and opportunities in marine and atmospheric affairs it fore- 
sees during the next decade the Commission urges a major reorganization to 
cembine several new functions with programs that are now part of the missions 
of five Departments and agencies, to form a new, independent, civilian agency. 
Specifically, ESSA, Coast Guard, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, the Lake 
Survey of the Corps of Engineers and the Sea Grant Program of National 
Science Foundation would become the nucleus of the organization. 
The five agencies most directly concerned oppose loss of functions within their 
jurisdiction, and commented as follows: 
Interior.—Some consolidation is needed to improve Federal marine science 
programs: but instead of a new agency, functions could be transferred to 
Interior with broader inter-agency coordinating authority. 
Commerce.—Consolidation is needed, but lodged with an existing Depart- 
ment; Commerce could provide the institutional envelope, except for func- 
tiens of the Coast Guard. 
Transportation.—Some consolidation along Commission lines is needed, and 
Transportation is prepared to provide the necessary leadership. 
