630 
THE STRATTON COMMISSION 
The Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources, 
commonly named after the chairman (Julius A. Stratton), the Stratton 
Commission, was established by the President in January 1967. The 
15 members of the Commission were appointed by the President 
from the ranks of private industry, educational institutions, founda- 
tions, and representatives from Federal and State governments. While 
the Commission was left wholly free of operating responsibility, it 
was directed to: 
Examine the Nation’s stake in the development, utilization, and 
preservation of our marine environment. 
Review all current and contemplated marine activities and to 
assess their adequacy to achieve the national goals set forth in 
the act. 
Formulate—on the basis of its studies and assessment, a com- 
prehensive, long-term, national program for marine affairs 
designed to meet present and future national needs in the most 
effective possible manner. 
Recommend a plan of Government organization best adopted 
to indicate the expected costs.!° 
The Commission divided itself into seven panels to examine and 
assess well-defined areas of marine activity: Basic science; marine 
engineering and technology; marine resources; environmental monitor- 
ing and the management of the coastal zone; industry and private 
investment; international issues; and manpower and training.’! The 
various panels held hearings, acquired firsthand information related 
to their assignment by visiting the Nation’s marine related institutions, 
and turned the material collected into a series of reports. Finally, 
the Commission issued a report, entitled ““Our Nation and the Sea” 
to the President and the Congress in January 1969. The report con- 
tained 122 recommendations in the following areas:!* Marine science, 
marine technology, manpower development, scientific and technical 
information, coastal zone management and development, pollution 
control, living resources, mineral resources, research and exploration, 
global monitoring and predictions, environmental modification, inter- 
national agreements, technical and operating services, and organization 
for the national ocean program. 
RECOMMENDATIONS 
In its summary of recommendations the Commission made the fol- 
lowing statement on the need to restructure Federal ocean activities: 
The Commission finds that the present Federal organization 
cannot meet the changing, broadening aspects of marine affairs. 
For the most part, the agencies have performed their fragmentary 
missions well, within the limits of inadequate funding and—too 
frequently—a lack of strong support from the heads of agencies 
with primary concerns other than the oceans. . . . A new, strong 
Federal focus for marine activity is essential to a national ocean 
effort. The Organization should direct a civil ocean program to 
Ibid., p. VI. 
 Tbid., p. VIL. 
12 Ibid., pp. 267-278. 
