The Ocean Studies Board (OSB) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) will continue to provide guidance on major ocean science policy issues to the Federal agencies involved in ocean sciences, including the National Science Foundation. Over the next year the OSB will address a series of issues relevant to NSF ocean science programs. These will include ocean data management, especially questions related to classifi- cation of data; long-term climate change and effects of air-sea inter- action; comparison of in situ research and that done via remote sensing; global effects of marine pollution and oceanic waste disposal; interna- tional cooperation in oceanographic research and freedom of access; eco- nomic worth of the oceans, including fisheries and aquaculture; the coastal zone and land-sea interaction; and human resources. The Board will continue to serve as the U.S. National Committee for the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research. The OSB will coordinate its activities closely with other Academy Boards and Committees, especially the Com- mittees on Global Change and on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate.
