Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the ocean.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the ocean is important to the U.S. economy, environmental quality, and national security; (2) the United States has a responsibility to exercise and promote ocean stewardship; and (3) Federal agencies are encouraged to take advantage of the International Year of the Ocean in 1998 to perform certain tasks. Encourages such agencies to: (1) review oceanography and marine resource management policies and programs; (2) identify opportunities to improve interagency cooperation, to further cooperation between the United States and other nations to enhance oceanographic research and exploration, and to strengthen international marine resource conservation policies and programs; (3) develop scientific, educational, and resource management programs that will advance ocean exploration, the conservation of marine habitats and species, and the sustainable use of ocean resources; and (4) encourage participation in State, local, and private initiatives and programs that use education and the arts to increase public awareness of the ocean and its many benefits, and to foster understanding of the need to conserve and sustainably manage ocean resources.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the ocean is important to the U.S. economy, environmental quality, and national security; (2) the United States has a responsibility to exercise and promote ocean stewardship; and (3) Federal agencies are encouraged to review oceanography and marine resource management policies and programs, identify opportunities to improve interagency cooperation, and develop scientific, educational, and resource management programs that will advance ocean exploration and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the ocean is important to the U.S. economy, environmental quality, and national security; (2) the United States has a responsibility to exercise and promote ocean stewardship; and (3) Federal agencies are encouraged to review oceanography and marine resource management policies and programs, identify opportunities to improve interagency cooperation, and develop scientific, educational, and resource management programs that will advance ocean exploration and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the ocean is important to the U.S. economy, environmental quality, and national security; (2) the United States has a responsibility to exercise and promote ocean stewardship; and (3) all public and private organizations are encouraged to strive for a better understanding of the ocean, communicate that understanding to the public, and thereby promote ocean exploration, sustainable ocean resource use, and ocean resource conservation.