To help both developed and developing countries explore the vast economic and scientific potential of the world's oceans, A.I.D. sponsored an international workshop in 1981 on the need for international cooperation in the fields of marine technology, science, and fisheries, with emphasis on the future role of the United States in these fields. Papers were prepared on marine resources for each major region of the developing world (Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Southeast Asia/Oceania, and the Near East/India) as well as on the following topics: federal support for marine technical assistance and related activities; the future of ocean science and marine technical cooperation; current developing country needs and programs; non-U.S. donor programs; and other possible avenues of technical assistance. Priority needs identified in the regional reports include assisting developing countries to learn the extent of their marine resources through analysis of currently available information and from detailed surveys of marine resources within their 200-mile economic zones; increasing the number of local scientists, engineers, and technicians; establishing regional training centers and research facilities; including economists and social scientists in marine-related projects; providing technical assistance according to priorities set by the host countries; promoting regional coordination of marine-related research and the dissemination of findings; encouraging links between public and private sectors; including mechanisms for ongoing supervision and evaluation of projects; and promoting future scientific leadership by encouraging the participation of younger scientists. Recommendations directed to U.S. agencies include establishing a U.S. Government-based information clearinghouse on marine technical assistance; encouraging cooperation between U.S. and developing country scientists; promoting greater flexibility and continuity of funding for assistance projects; increasing emphasis on fisheries and marine science in U.S. foreign aid programs; and addressing the language constraints of non-English speaking personnel and students. Many of the papers include bibliographies. A list of workshop participants is included.