OCEANOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES 379 



answer at the present time, but I believe there is an interest by all 

 agencies concerned to develop the very best answer to this problem 

 that we can find. 



Mr. MiLLKR. I am glad to hear you say that. Of course, there is 

 the other phase, public relations, as you know. In recent months and 

 for some continuing time there have been a number of unfortunate 

 events in the atomic energy field, not too many but they lend them- 

 selves to great publicity. The floating ashore of a barrel or a con- 

 tainer marked "Danger, Atomic Wastes" in Mr, Felly's area some 

 time ago created in the minds of people suspicion which it is very 

 hard to overcome. So we have this public relations problem to over- 

 come, too. 



I shall stop questioning now so others will have an opportunity, 

 but I shall ask you to read the record of yesterday. I am certain 

 when Mr, Lennon has an opportunity to question you, which he will 

 have in a few minutes, he will make his position clear. Counsel will 

 make available to you at the earliest convenience the record of yester- 

 day. Kead the questioning by both Mr, Lennon and Mr. Casey, in 

 whose districts some of these dump areas have been designated, which 

 apparently are not too far offshore, at least in the layman's mind. 



After you have seen that, if you would, I would like to have your 

 comments in the form of a memorandum for inclusion in the record. 



Mr. McKernan, We shall be pleased to do that, Mr. Chairman- 

 Mr, Miller, Mr. Pelly. 



Mr. Pelly, Mr, McKernan, what organizations exist as channels 

 of information on any possible threat to marine life by the disposal of 

 radioactive wastes? I think there was a reference to NATO, 



Mr. McKernan, You mean worldwide? 



Mr, Pelly. International organizations. 



Mr. McKernan, I am probably not qualified to answer this fully, 

 Mr, Pelly, but within the fisheries field alone several international 

 commissions exist. Dr. McHugli mentioned the North Atlantic Com- 

 mission. This is a Commission composed of 12 member nations, most 

 of them North Atlantic nations. In fact, I think perhaps most of 

 them are members of NATO, also. I do know that Russia is a mem- 

 ber of the North Atlantic Fisheries Commission, so that is one excep- 

 tion, at least. 



These nations get together, and scientists and technicians from 

 these nations discuss problems of mutual concern. This is one body 

 through which a discussion of this kind could easily be had and could 

 coordinate and could disseminate the knowledge that each of the 

 nations have. 



There are other international fisheries bodies which could act in 

 the same capacity, such as the North Pacific Commission, with which 

 you are veiy familiar, I know, 



Mr. Felly. Do you not think it extremely important that these 

 organizations communicate back and forth and exchange information 

 and develop any knowledge and disseminate it among our various 

 research groups ? 



Mr, McKernan, Yes, I do, 



Mr. Felly. The second thing I would like to ask you is this : Wliat 

 would be the appropriate international organization to discuss and 



38170—59 25 



