Foreword 



The task which faced the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Resources was one of 

 unprecedented complexity and scope-to "make a comprehensive investigation and study of all aspects 

 of marine science in order to recommend an overall plan for an adequate national oceanographic 

 program that will meet the present and future national needs."* To meet this assignment, the 

 Commission necessarily needed to reach outward to tap the best thinking in a host of disciplines and 

 fields of interest and to array volumes of speciahzed data. 



The Commission approached this task by forming seven working panels from its membership. Each 

 of the panels, aided by staff and consultants, assumed responsibility for a major area of interest: basic 

 science; environmental problems; education, training, and manpower; industry and private investment; 

 marine engineering and technology; marine resources; and international aspects of marine activities. Thus 

 the panels were the principal mechanism for assessing the status of marine matters, for identifying 

 opportunities and problems, and for proposing measures to be taken. The reports prepared by the panels 

 constituted the primary source material upon which the Corrutiission based its own final conclusions. 



Throughout the period during which the panels conducted their separate studies, the Conunission 

 met as a whole to review and evaluate critically the findings and recommendations of these task forces. 

 The continuing discussion and review assisted the panels in identifying needs for additional information, 

 for clarification, and for reassessment of tentative views; they provided a means for coordination of 

 panel activities; and, most important, they served as an educative process that prepared the Commission 

 as a whole for the preparation of its final report. However, it was recognized from the outset that it was 

 neither necessary nor desirable for the several panels to reach total consistency in their proposals or for 

 the proposals to be fully consistent with positions later taken by the Commission as a whole. Although 

 the panels have been guided in their work by the comments of the entire Conmiission, each panel is 

 solely responsible for its own report. In considering the recommendations advanced by its panels, the 

 Commission adopted some without modification, rephrased or modified others and, in some cases, took 

 no position. 



During their investigations, panel members and staff contacted more than 1 ,000 individuals, many 

 of whom made major contributions to the preparation of these reports. The Commission is deeply 

 indebted to its panels for the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of reports. The panels in turn wish to 

 acknowledge their debt to the many contributors to the work. 



(Zyi^<a^;^ 



J. A. Stratton 

 President 



February 9, 1969 



'P.L. 89^54. 



