Relentless Study of 

 the Sea and Its Riches 



Today, two of every three people in the world suffer from 

 diseases brought on by protein deficiency. If the resources of the 

 sea were harvested to a greater extent and distributed more 

 widely, they could alleviate this problem. 



In the years ahead, a crowded, hungry world may be forced to 

 depend heavily on these resources. 



Oceanography can locate the riches of the sea — and benefit the 

 hungry millions and improve the economy of many nations. 



In 1957, the United States spent less than $35 million annually 

 to study the oceans. In 1965, the figure is nearly $200 million; 

 the Department of the Interior's share is $20 million, nearly all of 

 it assigned to the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (BCF) . 



While BCF's oceanographic research tries to solve immediate 

 problems of the fishing industry, its goals are primarily long range. 

 BCF scientists seek to understand the interrelationships between 

 major aquatic resources and their environment in the Pacific, Gulf 

 of Mexicp, and in the Atlantic. They gather information needed 

 to properly conserve, manage, and utilize these resources. They 

 look for new fisheries and work to extend existing fisheries. 



The scientists search for an understanding of the natural 



phenomena in oceans, coastal waters, and estuaries that affect 

 fishing success and influence the distribution and abundance of 

 fish and shellfish. 



To make greater headway in solving these problems, BCF must 

 satisfy certain major needs. It must : 



— Assist in compiling an inventory of the world's fishery re- 

 sources: the number, distribution, rate of turnover — and prepare 

 atlases showing distribution and seasonal variations. 



— Carry out longer time series of observations in order to refine 

 predictions and determine causes of fluctuation. Prediction of 

 coming events is one of industry's biggest needs. 



— Gather essential information for management on size, 

 homogeneity, variations of stock, rates of recruitment and growth, 

 natural and fishing mortality, population dynamics. 



— Assist in collecting accurate and worldwide data on catch and 

 effort expended. 



— Gain better understanding of fish physiology and behavior, 

 genetics, predation, diseases, and taxonomy. 



— Study new fishing methods, to include such possibilities as 

 electrical fishing, giant midwater trawls, and remotely controlled 

 fishing submarines. 



— Devise new methods of sampling the biota, try new ways of 

 studying behavior and ecology of organisms, and develop new 

 scientific instruments and fishing gear. 



The photographs on the following pages illustrate the relent- 

 less study of the sea and its riches. 



Tuna seen from observation chamber of research vessel. 



>■■ vmsmm. w£ 



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