This report, which examines expected major trends in ocean research up to the year 2000, focuses on the most important ocean research problems that should receive particular attention during the next decades, what major advances should be expected and what kinds of research should be encouraged for them to be achieved, and impediments to achieving these advances. Each of these three areas is addressed within the four basic subject areas of physics, chemistry, biology, and geology/geophysics, with interdisciplinary aspects and principal applications (climate, pollution, fisheries, and non-living resources) being covered as appropriate. Findings and conclusions are reported and discussed in six separate chapters dealing with, respectively: (1) the nature of marine science; (2) application and implementation, examining reasons why ocean research merits support from governments and some of the practical problems of strengthening such research; (3) physical oceanography; (4) chemistry of the ocean; (5) life in the ocean; and (6) the ocean floor. Research particularly benefiting joint action among nations, relationship of such research to the interests of developing countries, and evaluation of supporting services and manpower needed to carry out proposed research are noted in the chapters when appropriate. (JN)