VI-125 



6. Increase understanding of the origin, distribution and 

 Importance of surface films. 



7. Determine exchanges between the atmosphere and the 

 estuarlne water mass. 



It Is evident that a fresh new approach to ecological research 

 Is necessary if we are to gain needed knowledge and understand 

 estuarlne ecosystems in time for it to be of value for manage- 

 ment decisions. If the old patterns of investigations are 

 followed, wherein detailed studies by many investigators are 

 made on individual species, it is quite probable that answers 

 will be unavailable in time to be of any real value in shaping 

 decisions for the management of estuarlne zones. A highly 

 coordinated approach to this problem is needed. One approach 

 would be to concentrate research in a number of centers where 

 a high degree of proficiency exists, developing a system of 

 coastal laboratories to satisfy both national and regional needs. 

 Extramural research for the most part would probably be done 

 under contract to assure appropriate direction in terms of 

 national goals, bearing in mind, however, that this direction 

 should take full advantage of consultation and advice from know- 

 ledgeable scientists and engineers from all segments of the 

 industrial, academic and oovernment communities. 



