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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 1121. Congressional declaration of policy
(a) Findings
The Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) The national interest requires a strategy to -
(A) provide for the understanding and wise use of ocean,
coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the environment;
(B) foster economic competitiveness;
(C) promote public stewardship and wise economic development
of the coastal ocean and its margins, the Great Lakes, and the
exclusive economic zone;
(D) encourage the development of forecast and analysis
systems for coastal hazards;
(E) understand global environmental processes; and
(F) promote domestic and international cooperative solutions
to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues.
(2) Investment in a strong program of research, education,
training, technology transfer, and public service is essential
for this strategy.
(3) The expanding use and development of ocean, coastal, and
Great Lakes resources resulting from growing coastal area
populations and the increasing pressures on the coastal and Great
Lakes environment challenge the ability of the United States to
manage such resources wisely.
(4) The vitality of the Nation and the quality of life of its
citizens depend increasingly on the understanding, assessment,
development, utilization, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and
Great Lakes resources. These resources supply food, energy, and
minerals and contribute to human health, the quality of the
environment, national security, and the enhancement of commerce.
(5) The understanding, assessment, development, utilization,
and conservation of such resources require a broad commitment and
an intense involvement on the part of the Federal Government in
continuing partnership with State and local governments, private
industry, universities, organizations, and individuals concerned
with or affected by ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
(6) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
through the national sea grant college program, offers the most
suitable locus and means for such commitment and involvement
through the promotion of activities that will result in greater
such understanding, assessment, development, utilization, and
conservation. The most cost-effective way to promote such
activities is through continued and increased Federal support of
the establishment, development, and operation of programs and
projects by sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, and other
institutions, including strong collaborations between
Administration scientists and scientists at academic
institutions.
(b) Objective
The objective of this subchapter is to increase the
understanding, assessment, development, utilization, and
conservation of the Nation's ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
resources by providing assistance to promote a strong educational
base, responsive research and training activities, broad and prompt
dissemination of knowledge and techniques, and multidisciplinary
approaches to environmental problems.
(c) Purpose
It is the purpose of the Congress to achieve the objective of
this subchapter by extending and strengthening the national sea
grant program, initially established in 1966, to promote research,
education, training, and advisory service activities in fields
related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
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