In addition to the Federal agencies mentioned and the four Federal 

 data centers, the Nation's major oceanographic institutions maintain data 

 holdings which contribute to the national marine data inventory of all 

 data and samples generated by U.S. data gathering activities. An example 

 of the use of NODC's NAMDI to identify data collection trends is illus- 

 trated in figure X-1 which shows the time distribution of selected meas- 

 urements taken by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution over the 

 past 8 years. 



Employing Data Internationally 



The programs and projects of the International Decade of Ocean Ex- 

 ploration will lead to the production of diversified types and large quan- 

 tities of marine data and samples. Rapid and economical flow of these data 

 among universities, Government activities, industry, and data centers is 

 required to assist in the effective and timely realization of IDOE objectives. 

 Also these data will be the principal currency for cooperation among par- 

 ticipating nations. 



Figure X-1 — Trends in Observational Programs of the Woods Hole 

 Oceanographic Institution, 1961-68 



Number of Static 

 14.000 



MECHANICAL 



EXPENDABLE 



61-'64-65'68 1961-'64 es-'es 



142 



