29 



Senator Stevens [presiding]. I understand we are finished with 

 this panel, and we will go to Dr. Burris and Mr. Helms and Mr. 

 Silva. 



Thank you very much, gentlemen. I look forward to working with 

 you. 



Senator Kerry. I might just add, a number of Members have 

 asked to have the record left open so they could submit some ques- 

 tions in writing which we will do. 



Senator Stevens. Gentlemen, thank you very much. The chair- 

 man will be back, we believe, if he can get through the other com- 

 mittee. We have to wait in line to ask our questions as we come 

 in late to these committees, but as soon as he can he will be back. 



Meanwhile, we would be happy to have your statement, Dr. 

 Burris. And if you gentlemen, Mr. Helms and Mr. Silva, have state- 

 ments we would be pleased to have you present those too, and then 

 I do have some questions. Thank you. 



STATEMENT OF JOHN E. BURRIS, PH.D., DIRECTOR AND CHIEF 

 EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORA- 

 TORY, WOODS HOLE, MA 



Dr. Burris. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the com- 

 mittee, for the opportunity to testify today on the importance of 

 marine biotechnology and the need for a stronger Federal role in 

 this area. 



My name is John Burris, and I am Director and Chief Executive 

 Officer of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, the 

 oldest marine biological laboratory in the United States and one of 

 the leading institutions in the field of marine biotechnology in the 

 world. I speak both for myself and for the National Association of 

 Marine Laboratories today. 



Mr. Chairman, with your permission I would like to submit my 

 written testimony for the record and provide the committee with an 

 overview of marine biotechnology and its importance in my oral 

 presentation. 



Senator Stevens. Your complete statement will be printed in 

 full. 



Dr. Burris. Thank you. An enormously diverse assemblage of 

 species occupies the marine environment which covers approxi- 

 mately 70 percent of the Earth's surface. By studying these many 

 organisms, we will learn a great deal that will lead to the develop- 

 ment of a number of products and processes. Marine biotechnology 

 is certain to be a key technology of the coming century. 



Through marine biotechnology, one can expect to achieve a wide 

 range of objectives that include promotion of economic growth and 

 stimulation of new business opportunities, creation of new high- 

 technology jobs for the 21st century, development of new environ- 

 mental and biomedical technologies, and improvement of America's 

 global economic competitiveness in an emerging growth industry in 

 which the United States currently leads. 



Areas where one can expect exciting applications include 

 biomaterials, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, aquaculture and 

 seafood safety, bioremediation, and an increased understanding of 

 the oceans. 



