APPENDIX A
Agreement To Form AMC-NRC Joint Working Group On Ocean Sciences (April 6–7, 1994)
Results of a visit to Mexico by Dr. William Merrell, Chairman of the Ocean Studies Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, USA, invited by Dr. Mauricio Fortes, President of the Academia de la Investigación Científica (AIC), to discuss possible cooperation in marine sciences.
Because of the importance of the oceans to the environmental and economic well-being of both Mexico and the United States, it is proposed that the Academies of each country appoint a Joint Working Group devoted to the promotion of ocean sciences.
It is proposed that the working group be composed of approximately 10 scientists from each country, representing all disciplines of oceanography and including a small representation of industrial scientists. Co-chairs should be soon appointed by both Academies. The Joint Working Group Members should represent the high scientific standards of both Academies.
The Joint Working Group should be charged to prepare a report that describes why the oceans and ocean research are important to the development of both countries, noting that oceanography is an observational science requiring significant financial support in each country. The document should identify the long-range goals of this research and reiterating why this research is important to the economy and environmental quality of both countries. If possible, the document may include some short-term projects that scientists from both countries could carry out cooperatively to meet the long-range goals. The document should be produced and presented within one year. The results of the working group should be a further step to consolidate the conduct of ocean science between the two countries and to better integrate the ocean interest and understanding of the two countries.
Financial support for the Joint Working Group should be provided by the two Academies to their respective scientists.
This working group should also explore the possibility of organizing a symposium on the state of science for the seas of common interest to Mexico and the United States. The proceedings of this symposium should be in both languages and should be made available for wide distribution in both countries.