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ESSA's Oceanographic Survey Ship Explorer (OSS-01) is typical of the new oceano- 

 graphic vessels being constructed. Since these ships are designed specifically for their 

 tasks, they are more productive and efficient than the older ships they replace. 



topography of the ocean bottom will involve hundreds of ship-years of 

 work. Delineation of other static factors, including the assessment of re- 

 sources, will require equally great efforts. Statistical surveys of the time- 

 dependent variables, and the understanding of ocean processes sufficient to 

 permit improvements in their prediction, are far in the future. 



Faced with tasks of this magnitude, the United States clearly must take 

 two steps: First, delineate what parts of the sea are of prime interest 

 and therefore should be given priority attention; and second, increase the 

 speed and efficiency of survey operations. 



The first step will involve the assessment of resource exploration and 

 exploitation, transportation, recreation, pollution abatem^ent, defense, and 

 other factors, not solely in the light of what is desirable, but what can be 

 rigorously justified in costs versus predictable benefits. Particular attention 

 must be given to relative priorities of geographical areas, and the time sched- 

 ules involved in surveying large portions of the ocean. The accuracy and 

 density of data needed must be analyzed, so that all the necessary informa- 

 tion is gathered without engaging in the collection of data for its own sake. 



The second step will demand broad technological advances, plus a prudent 

 use of our available resources. The Nation must not only operate its vessels 



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