The national dialogue begun in Monterey reflects the diverse, sometimes competing values inherent in our oceans. The seas are not only a source of economic benefit and a major avenue of world trade, but they are also a vital component of our national defense, a natural treasure to be preserved, and a fascinating frontier with secrets yet to be discovered. There is growing awareness among Americans of the many ways the oceans influence our daily lives. Farmers in the nation's heartland depend on weather systems driven by the interaction of the oceans and atmosphere to nourish their crops. Citizens who have never seen an ocean may benefit from energy and food from the waters off our coasts.
Marine organisms provide the cure for many diseases and the promise of many more cures.
Ocean-going vessels carry the bulk of our world trade, linking us to the global marketplace and keeping our economy strong. Our naval forces, which preserve the international freedoms of navigation so crucial to maritime commerce and global stability, use ocean data daily in their worldwide operations. A strong national security is essential to our nation's ocean policy. They cannot provide unlimited fish to feed the growing populations of the world, nor can they absorb unlimited wastes from human activities. We also are beginning to realize the importance of preserving the oceans' complex and delicate balances.