6 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
The Department of the Interior obtains, processes, stores, and dis- 
seminates data that relate to the identification, evaluation, develop- 
ment, and use of the Nation’s nonliving and recreational resources, 
including those of the coastal zone and seabed of the Outer Continental 
Shelf and adjacent marine areas. The nonliving resources include 
water for human and industrial use, as well as mimerals and fossil 
fuels. The recreational resources include gamefish of the Nation’s 
streams and lakes, migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife in 
addition to the well-known recreational facilities encompassed by the 
National Park and Wildlife Refuge Systems. 
Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) acquires and _ utilizes 
basic cartographic, geophysical, geological, hydrological, geochemical, 
and mineral resources data in support of its responsibilities for “classi- 
fication of the public lands, and examination of the geological struc- 
ture, mineral resources, and products of the national domain.’ 
Current marine efforts focus on gathering information about the 
Nation’s Outer Continental Shelf in order to expedite efficient and 
safe production of oil, gas, and other energy resources. USGS continues 
traditional research and fact-finding activities that aim at evaluating: 
(1) The total offshore mineral resource base available to meet needs 
of the Nation’s economy; (2) the nature of geologic environments 
and their hazards as they relate to coastal and offshore resource 
development; and (3) the quantities and quality of water available 
for use in the coastal zone, including amounts discharged to the oceans. 
In support of its activities, USGS maintains an integrated nationwide 
earth science computer system for processing, storage and retrieval 
of cartographic, water, and mineral resource data; and manages 
comprehensive referral services through its National Cartographic 
Information Center and Office of Water Data Coordination. In con- 
junction with regulatory responsibilities, USGS compiles and periodi- 
cally publishes records of OCS oil, gas, and mineral production and 
revenues. 
Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has responsibility 
for administration of the Outer Continental Shelf lease program, 
which includes the assembly of pertinent data and preparation of 
environmental impact studies. It supports baseline and monitoring 
studies by others to collect and process data that is not available 
through existing sources. BLM serves as the office of record for data 
and activities relating to the OCS leasing program. 
The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has Federal responsibility for 
the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data relating to mineral 
supply and demand, both on- and offshore. It also conducts research 
on mineral recovery and processing and serves as the focal point m 
Government for associated data, ‘Including that applicable to off- 
shore operations. 
Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in support of its responsi- 
bilities for conservation of the Nation’s wildlife and gamefish resources, 
has initiated a service to provide key biological information and tech- 
nical. assistance needed for more knowledgeable land and water use 
decisions. A portion of this program applies directly to the coastal 
zone, specifically to a better understanding of coastal ecosystem inter- 
