IDOE is past

Abstract

For the 1970's, the International Decade of Ocean Exploration (IDOE) began as a legislative, foreign policy, and geopolitical undertaking. It ended short of its goals. E. Wenk, Jr., is quoted as saying‘… IDOE…failed to head off international conflict over intensified use of the sea by using collaborative exploration as a new and untainted means to achieve world comity’ (Oceanus, 23, 2–11,1980). The vehicle was oceanographic research; the tool was the oceanographic community.The goal of easing international tensions may not have been met, but the scientists involved appear to have met theirs, judging from the level of participation and the extent of scientific advances. Table 1 lists the ′70's decade activity. A survey of 800 marine scientists, affiliated with academic and research institutions throughout the United States, indicated that, for the most part, the quality of marine science supported by the federal government during IDOE was high (Figure 1).