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: Through my industry’s transport activities, I was at least aware of the explo- 
sion then occurring in the capacity of ocean-going tankers, of their requirements 
for improved port facilities, and of the significance which sharply lower costs 
might have for our industrial economy. Also, in long association with United 
Nations’ activities, I had learned that other nations shared our interests in the 
seas and that whatever programs were organized to develop marine resources 
beyond the limits of national jurisdiction must recognize these multiple inter- 
ests. Moreover, during our studies as members of the Marine Commission, I was 
coustantly impressed by the diversity and long-term significance of this nation’s 
stake in the uses of the sea. 
I believe that the range of national interest, and the implications which this 
condition have for national policy, were well expressed by the Commission in 
its report: 
“Like the oceans themselves, the Nation’s marine interests are vast, complex, 
composed of many critical elements, and not susceptible to simplicity of treat- 
ment. Realization and accommodation of the Nation’s many diverse interests 
require a plan for national action and for orderly development of the uses of the 
sea. The plan must provide for determined attack on immediate problems concur- 
rently with initiation of a long-range program to develop knowledge, technology, 
and a framework of laws and institutions that will lay the foundation for efficient 
and productive marine activities in the years ahead. Although the Commission 
has addressed its proposals principally to the Federal Government, the States, 
the scientific community, industry, and others will need also to exercise initiative 
in their respective areas and participate fully in order that there may be a 
genuine national effort.” 
And in concluding its proposed plan for national action: 
A time for decision is here. Multiple pressures force the Nation to turn to the 
sea, and multiple opportunities await the seaward turning .. . The ocean does 
not yield its food and mineral treasures easily; damaged environments are not 
restored by scattered attacks or the good intentions of a few; the planet’s 
dominant element cannot be understood, utilized, enjoyed, or controlled by dif- 
fuse and uncoordinated efforts. The Nation’s stake can only be realized by a 
determined national effort great enough for the vast and rewarding task ahead. 
Now to several specific points : 
The first point I should like to make is that the urgency of action now is real. 
It was not simply happenstance that a Commission on Marine Science, Engineer- 
ing and Resources was formed in January, 1967, or that legislation to establish 
a national marine and atmospheric program should be on the congressional 
agenda two years later. The proposal for a National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Agency grows out of more than a decade of expanding knowledge and use of the 
seas. Offshore development both here and abroad is proceeding apace. The land 
along our shores already is almost entirely committed to patterns of use which 
will be increasingly difficult to adjust to broad public interests. Pollution has 
already engulfed one of our Great Lakes and threatens others. The time for 
action is now. If deferred, it seems all too likely that we shall be condemned to 
another decade of study and delay. 
The Marine Commission recognized that times of adoption of the several ele- 
ments of its proposed program would have to be considered in the context of 
overall national priorities. However, we concluded also that immediate action 
could and should be taken on our proposal for government reorganization. It 
will involve little or no incremental cost. By drawing together closely-related 
activities, it can improve administrative decision-making, provide a sounder 
basis for public and private investments, and lend strength and power to the 
nation’s commitment to the seas. 
The second point I would like to emphasize is the Commission’s concern that 
our marine program be truly national in scope and involve industries, universi- 
ties, and state and local governments in a concerted effort to increase capabilities 
and to make more effective use of the seas. Federal leadership will be needed in 
order to give direction and stimulus to this broad base of activity. But the doing 
itself—the work of our scientists and engineers and of our great corporations 
in developing the sea’s resources—must inevitably be undertaken chiefly through 
private institutions, with public interest in mind. 
The Commission visualized a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency as a 
focal point to such activity. Also, recognizing the paramount importance of 
harmonizing NOAA’s programs with non-Federal activities and needs, the Com- 
