The Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE), with its member institutions, and in partnership with the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), is organizing the first national competition for high school students on topics related to the study of the oceans. The competition, to be held annually, is called the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB).The initiation of the program in 1998 coincides with the International Year of the Oceans. Sponsors include the Chief of Naval Research, Oceanographer of the Navy, NSF, NASA, and NOAA. Regional competitions were held in 16 states in late January and early February. Finals will be held in Washington, D.C., in late April 1998.