information. For this reason, the Coast Guard project to develop 

 the capability to implement national buoy networks is an important 

 part of the United States' marine sciences program. The demon- 

 stration of the ability to operate limited networks in the oceans, 

 to solve scientific problems and derive economic, military and 

 social benefits from them, is a major development goal. I sintic- 

 ipate buoys of more than one class or capability. It is probable 

 that following the development program operational systems will 

 be deployed in oceans adjacent to the United States where national 

 benefits will be greatest and in nationally sponsored environ- 

 mental experiments. It is clear, however, that each step in 

 development and implementation must be justified, and the poten- 

 tial benefits defined, to assure that limited national resources 

 are effectively utilized. 



The development program requires coordination with similar 

 programs involving data communications, processing and archiving 

 systems, as well as compatibility with international systems. 

 Through such coordination and a systematic approach to develop- 

 ment, the Coast Guard will assure that NDB Systems will be 

 developed that are responsive to the composite national require- 

 ments . 



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