OCEANOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES 135 



reying go hand in hand and in some instances the two overlap. 

 Oceanographic surveying is fundamental to Navy operations, and the 

 Hydrographic Office has been encouraged to expand and intensify its 

 work in a manner comparable to that recommended for the research 

 program. 



While the Navy is pursuing its own program in oceanography, the 

 problems are so large and involve so many other groups that it has 

 been found necessary to coordinate our research within the Depart- 

 ment of Defense and other Government agencies. Within the Depart- 

 ment of Defense formal coordination is achieved through the Com- 

 mittee on Science which has designated service representatives to deal 

 with oceanography. Coordination among interested Govermiient 

 agencies is accomplished informally through the Coordinating Com- 

 mittee on Oceanography established by the Office of Naval Research 

 in 1956. This Committee, consisting of representatives from all 

 Federal agencies concerned with the oceans, has met regularly every 

 month to discuss problems of mutual interest. The usefulness of the 

 Coordinating Committee on Oceanography is attributed to its infor- 

 mality and to the rotation of the chairmanship among the member 

 agencies. It is this group that will insure that a national program in 

 oceanography is properly managed and well coordinated throughout 

 the Federal agencies concerned. 



The Navy has also participated in the international aspects of the 

 science through scientific cominittees, meetings, and joint research 

 expeditions. Through this participation we have maintained close 

 scientific cooperation with the Western countries and have kept a 

 vigilant watch over the scientific effort of the Soviet Union. The im- 

 portant work of the other Western nations is led by Great Britain 

 whose oceanographic effort compares favorably with the United 

 States, U.S.S.R., and Japan. Their equipment and personnel are 

 excellent. Their program is well balanced with some effort in all 

 physical fields of oceanography. Military, storm surge damage, and 

 fishery requirements near the home waters are emphasized. 



Japan has a large oceanographic research potential and probably 

 ranks second or third in the world. Marine research knowledge is 

 widely diffused throughout the educated population. The major part 

 of the program suffers from insufficient funds and a lack of military 

 research. 



French activities are tied closely to fisheries, with some work in 

 coastal engineering, port development, and protection. France sup- 

 ports more marine laboratories both public and private than any 

 other European country. 



Dutch accomplishments are of very high quality in marine geology 

 and the theoretical aspects of physical oceanography. Coastal engi- 

 neering services and equipment are outstanding. Research is con- 

 centrated in the contiguous coastal areas. 



West German oceanographers are placing Germany in a position 

 of international importance. Most of the important prewar person- 

 nel are located in West Germany or West Berlin. While most of the 

 effort serves navigation and fisheries, there is a solid foundation for 

 future expansion into deep sea work. A recent directory listed 68 

 oceanographers. Two vessels are employed with a third expected 

 soon. 



