Marine Science Affairs 



the systems to be operated by the Federal agencies, and indicate needed 

 research and development efforts to meet future navigation service require- 

 ments. Charting needs will also be considered. 



2. Research and Action for Pollution Avoidance and Abatement. The 

 joint study of the Departments of Transportation and Interior on 

 oil pollution has outlined a national program to deal with the hazards of oil 

 spills from ocean-going transportation. The study recommendations encom- 

 pass policies, procedures, and programs intended to prevent disasters from 

 hazardous cargoes and to mitigate the damage ensuing if a disaster occurs. 

 Major regulatory proposals of the Joint Report include responsibility 

 on the discharger for cleanup of spilled oil and other hazardous cargoes, 

 and authority for the Federal Government to clean up if dischargers fail to do 

 so, and to secure reimbursement of costs from dischargers. 



The Joint Report also recommends U.S. efforts for strengthening interna- 

 tional conventions and commitments: establishment and use of sea lanes; 

 controls on discharges into United States-Canada boundary waters; and fea- 

 sibility studies of shore guidance systems for ships carrying hazardous cargoes 

 into harbor areas. 



The planning, regulation, international negotiation, and enforcement 

 actions needed to deal effectively with oil pollution from ocean transporta- 

 tion are based very substantially on science and technology. 



Fundamental scientific questions requiring attention concern oil-water 



mixing, ways of absorbing oil, the microbiology of degrading oils, harmful 



effects on marine and shore life, and effective methods of cleaning beaches. 



Applied research and development topics identified by the Joint Report 



as requiring attention include: 



— techniques for improved containment control, treatment of spills, 



and recovery of pollutants; 

 — techniques for delivery of equipment to handle spills; 

 — techniques for protection and rescue of flora and fauna ; 

 — detection, surveillancfe, and dispersal prediction techniques; 

 — oil-water separation; 

 — vessel design and construction principles ; 



— devices and equipment for shore protection and cleanup and for 

 disposal of spill^materials collected. 

 The proposed research and development represents a long-term program. 

 Lead times for some essential lines of inquiry extend to several years, which 

 places special urgency on an early beginning. 



Budget requests of the Departments of Transportation and Interior in 

 FY 1969 of about $3.3 million ^^ will permit initiating such projects. 



"This is the sum of $1.5 milHon for the Department of Transportation and $1.8 

 million for the Department of the Interior. The latter amount is included as a part of 

 "Water Quality Enhancement" under Development and Conservation of the Coastal 

 Zone in Appendix A financial tables. 



86 



