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adequate foundation of scientific understanding. This recognition comes at a time of growing aspirations for a better l i f e , when the needs of an ex- panding world population for new sources of food and fuel are becoming cr i t i ca l . During the past decade, marine science has been pursued with the principal goal of gaining fundamental understanding of ocean processes. Although this goal has^not been ful ly achieved, important progress has been made. We consider it appropriate that in the coming decade, emphasis should be given to the goals of prediction and of enhanced and rational ut i l izat ion. In subsequent years, accumulated knowledge should ultimately lead to the enlightened and responsible stewardship of our ocean heritage. An International Decade of Ocean Exploration has been proposed for the 1970's to give new impetus to those studies that w i l l enable man to re- alize more effectively the promise of the sea. The purpose of the present report is to examine the possible scientific and engineering content of such a Decade, particularly with regard to U.S. participation, and to consider the potential benefits resulting therefrom. At the same time, some thought has been given to the capabilities required and the constraints to be over- come in order to achieve the desired goals. Distinguishing Features of the Decade The term "International Decade of Ocean Exploration" can be inter- preted very broadly, and the Study Group gave early consideration to the fea- tures that could serve to distinguish programs of the Decade from the whole ocean science and technology. A broad statement of the basic goals of the - 2 -
Decade was developed, as follows: To achieve more comprehensive knowledge of ocean characteristics and their changes and more profound understanding of oceanic processes for the purpose of more effective utilization of the ocean and its resources. The emphasis on utilization was considered of primary importance. In contrast to programs of oceanography or ocean engineering per se the focus of Decade activities would be on such goals as . . . .increased net yield from ocean resources . . . .prediction and eventual control of natural phenomena . . . .improved quality of the marine environment. Thus Decade investigations, even when of fundamental scientific charac- ter, should be identifiably relevant to some aspect of ocean uti l ization. The word "exploration" has a number of meanings, extending from broad reconnaissance to detailed prospecting. Our interpretation goes beyond the mere attempt to improve the description of the ocean, its boundaries and its contents, essential as that improved description would be to the goals of the Decade. Exploration should also comprehend investigation of processes that have led to the observed conditions and may cause further changes in those conditions. Of a l l the ocean investigations that w i l l contribute in some way to enhanced uti l ization, we believe that those involving cooperation among scientists and laboratories in this country and abroad are particularly appro- priate for the Decade. Decade programs would often be of long-term and continuing nature, would require the facil i t ies of several laboratories and would be directed toward objectives of widespread, rather than local or special, interest. It is anticipated that these programs within the United States may be co- - 3 -
operatively implemented by both government agencies (Federal and State) and private laboratories (academic and industrial). As the t i t le suggests, international cooperation w i l l be of partic- ular importance. Such cooperation has long been a characteristic of oceano- graphy, for reasons such as the following (from "International Ocean Affairs" published by the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research in 19 67): "The world ocean covers 71% of the earth's surface. Most countries have sea coasts and make some use of the sea, although national jurisdiction extends over only a small fraction of the ocean's area; the remainder is common property. The waters of the world ocean and their contents intermingle without serious restraint. Many oceanic processes are of large scale and are driven by forces of planetary dimension. The organisms inhabiting the sea are influenced by these processes and forces, and their distribution, abundance and behaviour are often influenced by events occurring far beyond the territorial limits recognized by man." Most international cooperative investigations have consisted of a set of national programs suitably modified and coordinated to achieve international objectives. The Decade is envisioned as a period of intens- ified collaborative planning, development of national capabilities, and execution of national and international programs. The present report gives principal attention to the development of United States programs that could contribute to the Decade. Integration of these programs and those of other countries into a comprehensive international program was not discussed in
detail, and has been left for consideration by appropriate international bodies in which U.S. participants w i l l have a voice. It is hoped that this report w i l l be a useful input to those discussions. In the light of the goals and features discussed above, there appear to be important aspects of ocean research that he outside the framework of the Decade. For example, some aspects of theoretical and experimental research, or the design, installation and operation of an ocean monitoring system, or the development and application of specific exploitation equipment, may not be appropriate. Some oceanographic research of an academic nature, and certain mission-oriented programs of government and industrial laboratories, w i l l not f i t logically into the Decade. For example, i t has been estimated that only about 30% of the present Federal marine science program is relevant to the Decade. In a sense, a l l studies in the ocean w i l l contribute to the goals of the Decade, but in order for it to be successful a finite and closely-knit set of programs is required. The distinguishing features discussed above should help in defining this set. The term "Decade" can be understood in a general way to mean the 1970's. Inception of the programs must await completion of planning and the availability of adequate facil i t ies and funds. Formal completion might be scheduled for early in the following decade; achievement of the long-term goals w i l l require that development of exploitation be accompanied by continuing investigations of the sort initiated during the Decade.
