33 U.S.C. § 1101: Congressional declaration of policy and objectives

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States to develop, encourage, and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national program in marine science for the benefit of mankind to assist in protection of health and property, enhancement of commerce, transportation, and national security, rehabilitation of our commercial fisheries, and increased utilization of these and other resources. The accelerated development of the resources of the marine environment. The expansion of human knowledge of the marine environment. The encouragement of private investment enterprise in exploration, technological development, marine commerce, and economic utilization of the resources of the marine environment. The preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in marine science and resource development. The advancement of education and training in marine science. The development and improvement of the capabilities, performance, use, and efficiency of vehicles, equipment, and instruments for use in exploration, research, surveys, the recovery of resources, and the transmission of energy in the marine environment. The effective utilization of the scientific and engineering resources of the Nation, with close cooperation among all interested agencies, public and private, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities, and equipment, or waste. The cooperation by the United States with other nations and groups of nations and international organizations in marine science activities when such cooperation is in the national interest.