This report is the first of three volumes with the main function of recommending an overall plan for an adequate national oceanographic program that will meet the present and future national needs. The volume is divided into four sections. The first attempts to clarify the present state of basic marine science and its relationship to the needs of the nation. The second section considers the need for a global environmental monitoring and predicting system and makes recommendations for its organization, describes and appraises the present system of monitoring and predicting, reviews recent technological advances, and other related areas. The third section reviews the management and development of the coastal zone, describing its scope and importance, its uses and subsequent results, pollution, transportation, research, Federal and State activities, laws, recommendations and a proposed program related to coastal zone. The fourth section briefly reviews the status of education, manpower, and training in the marine sciences. (PR)