be satisfied in conducting marine-oriented opera- 
tions, but is seriously impeded in its own planning 
process when, as often happens, uncertainty and 
conflict arise in the plans of various agencies. This 
is particularly true for service oriented Govern- 
ment agencies. 
Many agencies that influence ocean operations 
do so by providing such services as weather 
forecasting, charting, and collection of a variety of 
oceanographic data. It is believed that uninten- 
tional duplication could be minimized and supe- 
rior service could be provided for industry if some 
of these functions were consolidated. Not only 
could priorities be better determined, but greater 
efficiency could be achieved in the use of man- 
power and facilities, improving assistance to indus- 
try without increasing expenditures. 
Numerous civilian agencies with ocean interests 
splinter non-military research and development. 
Failure to clearly assign responsibility for ocean 
work often results in program oversights in impor- 
tant areas or frequently contributes to unnecessary 
duplication. The fragmentation of effort and lack 
of effective coordination and planning often result 
in priority and funding assignments at the project 
level that are inappropriate to the total National 
program. A far better base for conducting research 
and developing multipurpose technology would 
result from consolidation of some functions of 
existing agencies. 
Consolidation of some Government functions 
would provide greater visibility for ocean develop- 
ment, giving a great impetus to industrial develop- 
ment in the marine environment. A unified group 
can serve effectively as an information distribution 
center. Private organizations wishing to obtain or 
exchange data or information and to submit 
unsolicited proposals could make fewer contacts. 
A focus within the Government would provide one 
strong voice rather than many uncoordinated small 
voices. It would be extremely valuable to the 
President, the Congress, all the Federal agencies, 
and the entire Nation. 
Recommendation: 
Many marine functions of existing agencies and 
bureaus should, wherever possible, be consolidated 
to improve the effectiveness of the Government’s 
participation in a National marine program. 
B. Government-Industry Planning Mechanism 
The Federal Government, industry, the States, 
and the academic community can make better 
decisions if fully aware of each other’s plans and 
activities. Better communication between the 
public and private sectors would help ensure 
orderly development of a National marine pro- 
gram. With the diverse nature of private oceanic 
endeavors and the size of private spending, it is 
essential that effective liaison be established be- 
tween Federal administrators and the private 
sector. The Government’s need for information 
and advice from industry, States and regions, and 
the academic community is becoming increasingly 
essential as development of ocean resources accel- 
erates with an accompanying increase in multiple 
use conflicts. 
Marine operations are replete with examples 
where joint planning is needed or must be im- 
proved: 
—The National Projects proposed in the Report of 
the Marine Engineering and Technology Panel will 
require especially close collaboration in planning, 
as much of the multipurpose technology devel- 
oped will be of value to industry. 
—Consultation is important in development and 
marketing of products and processes. Items being 
developed under Government sponsorship should 
not be competitive with those produced solely 
through the private sector. 
—More effective Government and industry consul- 
tation is needed in projecting schedules for leasing 
offshore lands. 
—The need to plan coastal zone use and resolve 
conflicts presents an especially important chal- 
lenge to Government and industry. The Panel 
Report on Management and Development of the 
Coastal Zone has recommended the establishment 
of coastal zone authorities on the State and local 
government levels.!° 
The role of these authorities would include 
planning for multiple use of coastal and lakeshore 
waters and lands and resolving conflicts of mul- 
10Danel Report on Management and Development of 
the Coastal Zone, Chapter 10. 
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