Specifically, the Commission is charged 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." Further, the Commission shall: ----“Review the known and contemplated needs for natural resources from the marine environment to maintain our expanding national economy. -Review the surveys, applied research programs, and ocean engineering projects required to obtain the needed resources from the marine environment. -Review the existing national research programs to insure realistic and adequate support for basic oceanographic research that will enhance human welfare and scientific knowledge. -Review the existing oceanographic and ocean engineering programs, including education and technical training, to determine which programs are required to advance our national oceanographic competence and stature, and which are not adequately supported. -Analyze the findings of the above reviews, including the economic factors involved, and recommend an adequate national marine science program that will meet the present and future national needs without unnecessary duplication of effort. -Recommend a Governmental organizational plan with estimated cost." By Public Law 89-454, as originally enacted, the Commission was required to submit to the President, via the Council, and to the Congress a report of its findings and recommendations not later than 18 months after its establishment. Authority for the Marine Sciences Council was originally due to terminate 120 days after the submission of the Commission's report. These dates were changed by enactment of Public Law 90-242, which amended the Marine Sciences Act and was signed into law on January 2, 1968. The amendment (a) extended, for an additional six months, the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development; Dr. Carl A. Auerbach, University of Minnesota; Honorable Charles F. Baird, Under Secretary of the Navy; Jacob Blaustein, Director, Standard Oil Company (Indiana); Dr. James A. Crutchfield, University of Washington; Frank C. DiLuzio, EG&G, Inc.; Leon Jaworski, Fulbright, Crooker, Freeman, Bates & Jaworski, Attorneys; Dr. John A. Knauss, University of Rhode Island; John H. Perry, Jr., Perry Publications, Inc.; Taylor A. Pryor, Makapuu Oceanic Center; George E. Reedy, Struthers Research and Development Corporation; Dr. George H. Sullivan, Northrop Corporation; Dr. Robert M. White, Environmental Science Services Administration. Congressional Advisors: The Honorable Warren G. Magnuson, U.S. Senator from the State of Washington; The Honorable Norris Cotton, U.S. Senator from the State of New Hampshire; The Honorable Alton A. Lennon, U.S. Representative from the State of North Carolina; The Honorable Charles A. Mosher, U.S. Representative from the State of Ohio. time within which the Commission's report could be submitted, namely to January 9, 1969; and (b) changed the expiration date of the Council to June 30, 1969, in order to insure continued assistance to the President. Implementation of Fiscal Year 1968 Initiatives On the recommendation of the Council last year, the President selected nine areas of marine science for priority attention and support during FY 1968. These initiatives are discussed in later chapters, and highlights of their implementation follow: 1. International Cooperation. -The United States proposed to the United Nations General Assembly that it establish a Committee on the Oceans to foster international cooperation and to take steps for the evolution of an international legal structure which would enhance exploration and use of the seabed. -During the Latin American Summit Meeting at Punta del Este and in the communiqué following the visit of Japanese Premier Sato to the United States, marine science cooperation was identified as an area for special emphasis. -As the result of efforts by the United States supported by a number of other nations, the International Telecommunication Union set aside radio frequencies for exclusive use in transmitting oceanographic data. -Plans were developed to propose establishment of international marine preserves. -Fifty foreign scientists participated in the global scientific expedition of the OCEANOGRAPHER. -British, Australian, and Canadian divers entered aquanaut training in the United States in preparation for their participation in SEALAB III experiments in the summer of 1968. -Administrative delays in arranging for Soviet fishery research ships to call at U.S. ports have been greatly reduced to promote bilateral research projects of mutual benefit. -Legal studies were undertaken under Council contracts to gain new insight into some of the international problems involved in developing marine resources. -Studies were completed of the marine science programs of other nations and of international organizations. 2. Food from the Sea.-This program was established to exploit the untapped food resources of the sea as a new source of inexpensive protein for the undernourished in the developing nations, especially through Fish Protein Concentrate (FPC). The Agency for International Development was designated to be lead agency for the program; the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries is to develop the necessary technology. During the past year: -The Agency for International Development established a new office to carry out its lead agency responsibilities for the new Food-fromthe-Sea Program. This office surveyed a large number of countries and selected Chile for pre-investment market surveys. -FPC produced from hake-like species was approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration. -The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries planned for the construction of a pilot plant in the Pacific Northwest to produce FPC. 3. Sea Grant Program.—The National Sea Grant College and Program Act (Public Law 89-688) was enacted to accelerate training and education of specialized manpower, especially ocean engineers and technicians; to initiate and support applied research; and to disseminate marine science information. To implement the legislation, the National Science Foundation has: -established a new Office of Sea Grant Programs; -issued policy guidelines for use by prospective grantees; 4. Data Systems Study.-Because development of marine science and technology depends upon the effective flow of information from producers to users, special attention was focused on means to improve oceanographic data systems. The first phase of a study by the Council was completed under contract, characterizing the "user community," including the increasing needs of State and local governments, scientists, and private industry, and establishing criteria for needed information. 5. Estuary Study.-Planning continued for programs using a new laboratory, under the Corps of Engineers, to study estuarine navigation, water quality, shore erosion, and the effects of pollution and natural influences on fish, shellfish, health, recreation, and beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. One important aim of the program is to evolve a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary approach to the general problem of estuaries. This study is closely correlated with pollution studies of the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration and other agencies of the Federal and State Governments. 6. Surveys of Mineral Resources.-The objective is to accelerate planning, surveys, and survey methodology related to marine minerals. In FY 1968, new mineral deposits off Alaska were delineated, and surveys were continued off the Atlantic and Northwest coasts. To assist in the orientation of future Federal programs in marine mineral resource development, the Council sponsored a contract study of the economic potential of mineral resources of the U.S. Continental Shelf and Slope. 7. Ocean Observation and Prediction.-Increased emphasis during FY 1968 to strengthen ocean observation networks has resulted in: -initiation of an experimental breaker and surf forecasting service for beaches of southern California for the protection of bathers and -completion of a comprehensive study indicating the technological 8. Deep Ocean Technology.-The increasing requirements for the Navy to operate throughout the ocean environment, and the loss of the U.S.S. THRESHER and of an unarmed nuclear weapon off the coast of Palomares, Spain, pointed up the importance of a strengthened capability for search and salvage systems in the deep ocean. The Deep Submergence Systems Project of the U.S. Navy was accordingly accelerated, and the Deep Ocean Technology program was initiated to develop components for future systems. A standby capability for such emergencies has been established by the Navy. 9. Subpolar Oceanographic Research Vessel.-A replacement Coast Guard ship, previously authorized for the International Ice Patrol, was to be specially designed and constructed to permit oceanographic research in subpolar regions. The Congress did not approve funds, and the request is being renewed. Council Encouragement of Multi-Agency Cooperative Endeavors With assistance by the Council, member agencies are cooperating to attack a number of problems of priority concern. A few examples follow: -Interior and Transportation have conducted a comprehensive examination of ways to cope with major oil pollution incidents such as that associated with the TORREY CANYON disaster. State and Commerce are attempting to develop new markets for U.S. marine products abroad, including review of export control policies. -NASA, Navy, Interior, and ESSA are collectively examining the -The Navy has made available the Transit Satellite Navigation -The Department of Transportation (Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Agency) is developing a national plan of navigation aids. for civilian shipping. Areas of Increased Emphasis for Fiscal Year 1969 An extensive evaluation of marine science activities of the Federal Government was conducted by the Council in the Fall of 1967, with staff assistance from Council Committees, the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology, and non-Governmental consultants. The Government-wide program was examined by purpose as well as by agency. As a consequence, the following initiatives in the marine sciences (funded as shown in Table I. 2) have been approved by the President for special emphasis in FY 1969; each is discussed in detail in subsequent chapters. We plan to: 1. Accelerate our efforts to Expand International Cooperation in Ocean Exploration—to encourage all countries (a) to develop their marine science opportunities through cooperative exploration of the oceans and their living and mineral resources; and (b) to develop new patterns of collaboration in the peaceful uses of the oceans that will contribute to sound international policy decisions on marine resource questions. A small planning staff will be established, initially funded by the Marine Sciences Council, to coordinate U.S. exploration activities, including our participation in international endeavors. 2. Intensify the Food-from-the-Sea initiative in the War on Hunger-by undertaking market surveys and feasibility studies for Fish Protein Concentrate (FPC) in three countries abroad, and by accelerating development of new technologies for producing low cost FPC. 3. Foster Rational Development of the Coastal Zone-by strengthening research, development, and systems studies of pollution, economic development, and conflicting uses of the Coastal Zone. Federal-Regional-State-local cooperation will be intensified, including use of existing statutory instruments such as River Basin Commissions. A special project to study problems of the Great Lakes area will be initiated by the Council. 4. Prepare for new programs for Port Development and Redevelopment with preliminary work for a comprehensive planning study-to incorporate new technology in a national port system that will serve ocean shipping of the future, characterized by deep draft vessels, containerization, express and feeder services, and other technical innovations. Attention will be given to relations between harbors and urban renewal and to regional interrelationships including mutual support between harbors. |