reviewed, and the findings are published in a separate report' which 

 also summarizes research on pollution affecting the environment. 



The Committee recognizes that our collective ability to conduct 

 ecological research depends on our success in acquiring prerequisite 

 data on nonliving aspects of ecosystems. Measurements of the 

 physical and chemical characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic 

 environments, as well as of atmosphere which circulates over both, are 

 fundamentally important as a foundation for development of 

 ecological perceptions and knowledge. Several agencies have very 

 substantial research and monitoring programs of an environmental 

 supportive nature. 



The Department of Commerce has recorded cyclic variations in total 

 atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. This factor is an 

 essential component in understanding global cycles in photosynthetic 

 activities. Similarly, an understanding of biological productivity 

 cycles in marine ecosystems is achievable only through the 

 interpretation of physical, chemical, and biological data of the ocean. 

 Environmental studies are included in this report when they are made 

 in relation to biological organisms. 



Similarly, the Corps of Engineers conducts supportive research in the 

 fields of sedimentation, reservoir and lake management, estuarine and 

 coastal environments, and interrelationships in regional ecosystems 

 in order to develop design criteria and operational technology. While 

 this research does not directly include biological organisms, it is of 

 importance to studies on productivity of fisheries. Information gained 

 is used to estimate the effects of engineering works in order to alleviate 

 deleterious effects and to aid in productivity of fish and wildlife. 



Acquiring requisite environmental data from monitoring and 

 collection facilities is expensive both in direct investments and in 

 manpower. Inadequate support for such activities would present major 

 obstacles in advancing our knowledge of ecosystems and in solving 

 pressing environmental problems. 



' Environmental Quality Research and Development - A Review and Analysis of Federal 

 Programs, August, 1971, Executive Office of the President, Office of Science and 

 Technology, pp. 137. 



15 



