In the United States, the NSF Is the lead agency for research In ocean science. Through Its 

 commitment and allocation of resources NSF provides leadership, guiding the growth and 

 evolution of ocean science. As such It has the responsibility to foster the planning required for 

 the continued development of ocean science in the nation's academic institutions. The Foundation 

 involves the ocean scientific community in its planning and funding activities. NSF workshops 

 and studies solicit advice from advisory groups and panels, Including the Advisory Committee 

 for Ocean Science and the National Research Council's Ocean Studies Board. NSF interacts and 

 coordinates work with other agencies (ONR, NASA, NOAA, DOE, EPA, USGS, etc.), relating 

 fundamental research to national needs and policy. 



The Division of Ocean Sciences has recognized the need for and accepted responsibility for 

 fostering advancement and unification of ocean science. It has, through its Advisory Committee, 

 formulated In this report a plan for a decade of rapid progress. 



