the independent analysis of marine science policies, being conducted now by the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources will complement the Federal Government's own studies. The President's budget proposals for fiscal year 1968 and his activating the Marine Sciences Council respond to the legislative mandate of 1966. Both are responses to observations of the President's Science Advisory Committee that important Federal functions had received inadequate attention in the past: that there was need at a central point in Government for the formulation of national marine science policies which would foster exploration, development, and use of the oceans. The Marine Sciences Council, being composed of the most senior Federal officials who have departmental responsibilities in marine sciences and who report individually, and through the Council collectively, to the President, serves as a vehicle for imparting direction and momentum to the collective national effort. With congressional approval of the President's budget proposals which are reflected in this report, the Council will have a major responsibilty to be sure that these steps return dividends and that they serve as building blocks in a strengthened marine sciences program. Looking ahead, forward planning on a Government-wide basis will complement our shorter term initiatives, especially to encourage an influx of fresh ideas and provide policy officials with a greater awareness of the impact of new options afforded by the marine environment. Long-range perspectives will then reflect (a) future commitments for funds that arise from current decisions; (b) the time interval necessary for training of manpower and development of scientific resources; (c) the long time framework associated with interactions beween various economic, cultural, and political institutions, and (d) the longer term impact of man's actions on his environment, so as to anticipate and moderate detrimental effects. During the coming months the Marine Sciences Council will give special attention to a selected number of policy areas: -Identification of the goals of the Nation and of society and the capacity of marine sciences to accelerate progress toward these goals; -The potential contribution of marine science and technology to world order and peace; -The role of the Federal Government along the shoreline and in the oceans, and methods of cooperation between the Federal Government and States, regions, universities, and private industry; -The administrative, legal, and technological framework for encouraging the rational exploitation of the resources of the sea; -Further strengthening of the healthy base of scientific research. which characterizes our marine science programs; ing and implementing marine science policies and programs, including analysis of the recommendations of the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources concerning the Federal structure being developed independently for the President and the Congress. This year, Congress has not been asked to enact new marine science legislation. The many instruments already provided allow us to move forward in meeting many of the urgent problems of our times. In marine science affairs, this year marks an opportunity to develop policies to blend political, economic, and cultural interests that comprise our democratic society. The task of studying how our Nation may build on our technology and our heritage is truly a monumental and magnificent opportunity. This report suggests fruitful areas for intensified effort by all members of the marine science community. Part Two TABLE OF CONTENTS A. GOVERNMENT PROGRAM, FISCAL YEAR 1968 TABLE I: Total Federal program by major purpose and organization TABLE I Total Federal program by major purpose and organization |