835 
6. Strengthen the planning base for decisions on the International 
Decade of Ocean Exploration, which could provide a broader and 
more effective framework for cost-sharing with other nations. i 
7. Developing a legal regime for the deep ocean floor which will 
encourage private investment and development of seabed resources, 
reduce the possibility of international conflicts and disputes, and pro- 
mote U.S. security, economic, political and scientific interests. 
8. Intensifying deep ocean technology research and development 
to enable the Navy to respond to increasing demands for operations 
in deep water. 
9. Emphasing sea-grant investments for applied research and train- 
ing specialized manpower, particularly ocean engineers and techni- 
cians that will be needed for technological development of marine 
resources in the 1970’s. 
10. Improving capabilities for processing of marine science infor- 
mation, which is critical for successfu] research and development 
activities. 
PRESIDENTS ANNUAL REPORT 
Although not explicitly provided for in the act, the President has 
assigned responsibility for preparation of his annual report to the 
council. After drafting by the council staff, the report is reviewed 
by council members and observers, and unsolved issues, unclear juris- 
dictions and controversial programs are clarified and resolved. It is 
then transmitted to the President. 
Al] three of the reports so far prepared by the council have been 
transmitted by the President to the Congress. By its scope and con- 
tent, the report assists executive agencies, at various echelons, to focus 
on common goals. It is also intended to aid Congress in relating 
program elements presented to the many appropriation and legisla- 
tive subcommittees; industry, academia, State and local governments 
and foreign nations concerned with relating their goals and programs 
to our national effort. 
COMMUNICATION WITH CONGRESS 
Since its establishment in June 1966, I have appeared before con- 
gressional committees 18 times to testify on legislation, to review 
our activities, and to speak on behalf of other agencies’ programs and 
funding requests. We are often asked to comment in writing on pend- 
ing legislation, and at present are responding to such requests, dis- 
cussing 28 bills and resolutions. 
COMMUNICATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR 
The Council has released general background information concern- 
ing the content of some 2,600 projects sponsored by the Government, 
oceanographic ship operating schedules, university curricula in 
oceanography, potential of spacecraft oceanography, and marine sci- 
ence activities of some 100 countries. 
It has sponsored over 20 contract studies on legal and economic 
as well as technical questions. It has continually worked to bring the 
views of State and local governments, universities and industries 
more directly into the mainstream of national policy planning, 
