The council exercising the prerogatives and functions as set out in Section 57-15-5, shall have as the aim for the State of Mississippi to provide for effective, efficient and economic development of marine resources available to the State of Mississippi, and to cause suitable skilled professionals and labor to harness the marine resources of this state's coastal, offshore and water resources toward achieving the highest economic growth potential possible through modern concepts and technology in the oceanographic field and scientific discovery of underwater marine resources. To accomplish these goals, the council shall carry out or cause to be carried out continuing study of the science of oceanography as it relates to Mississippi, and the development of a long-range oceanographic program for the State of Mississippi.