The "Unesco Reports in Marine Science" are designed to serve as a complement to the "Unesco Technical Papers in Marine Science." This report focuses on the current situation in marine sciences in Arab universities. A special meeting was convened in Jordan during December, 1985, to discuss the objectives of teaching and research in the marine sciences in Arab universities. This report reviews the concerns addressed at this meeting. Topics discussed include: (1) the objectives of marine science teaching and research; (2) the present situation of marine sciences in Arab universities; (3) educational systems at undergraduate levels; (4) postgraduate studies and research; (5) problems facing marine sciences and suggested solutions; (6) proposal for the formation of a union of Arab marine scientists; and (7) recommendations. Also included are annexes which contain the meeting's recommendations, participant list, agenda, document list, and the complete text of a working paper on the status of marine sciences in Arab universities. (ML)