33 



to bring products to the marketplace that are made possible through marine bio- 

 technology. 



I believe that legislation such as the Marine Biotechnology Investment Act fulfills 

 this objective, and more. Such legislation establishes a broad-based program within 

 Sea Grant, together with a process to ensure that proposals are funded on the basis 

 of scientific merit. It builds upon Sea Grant's record of commitment to marine bio- 

 technology. It fosters the public-private partnerships that are needed to produce the 

 products that will create jobs and economic growth. And it supports the training and 

 education that will be needed to ensure that we have the human resources that are 

 required. 



Most importantly, such legislation authorizes a significant increase in funding for 

 marine biotechnology that represents a very substantial improvement in the U.S. 

 commitment to this exciting field. 



Mr. Chairman, I want to commend you for holding this hearing, and for playing 

 a leadership role in bringing much-needed attention to the enormous potential 01 

 marine biotechnology. I would urge quick passage of new legislation to improve U.S. 

 capabilities in marine biotechnology. 



Again, thank you for inviting me to testify today, and I would be pleased to re- 

 spond to any questions that you or other members of the subcommittee may have. 



Senator Stevens. Mr. Helms, Senator Hollings expressed his re- 

 gret that a conflict prevents him from being here today. Do you or 

 Mr. Silva have any statement to make, and would you proceed 

 please, Mr. Helms? 



STATEMENT OF BENNETT HELMS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

 OFFICER, ATLANTIC LITTLE NECK CLAM FARMS, INC. 



Mr. Helms. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am here in support of 

 the marine biotechnology investment. My name is Bennett Helms. 

 I am CEO of Atlantic Little Neck Clam Farms. The clam farm is 

 located in South Carolina near Charleston, and it is the largest 

 clam farm in North America. So, we approach the business of aqua- 

 culture seriously and have an investment of around $10 million in 

 our operation. 



My background is business, not marine biology. I have 30 years 

 in other types of business, but 5 years ago I decided to step into 

 the aquacultural industry. So, I bring primarily business experi- 

 ence to you today. 



I was asked to speak on application and business opportunities, 

 assessment of current existing Federal research and technical 

 transfer, and any suggestions that I might have. So, I will try to 

 run through those quickly. 



The application of business opportunities for this type of program 

 would result in safer seafood, particular shellfish which would be 

 resistant to disease and food-born illnesses for humans. It would 

 provide longer shelf life, increased value to the clam producer, the 

 restaurant, and to the consumer. These programs could lead to a 

 better tasting clam and other seafoods, so let us not forget that in 

 our deliberations. 



It would result in more resistance to temperature swings and sa- 

 linity swings, which is very important in any aquaculture program. 

 And I would add that it is those types of swings that, if we could 

 develop shellfish or any seafood that could tolerate that, we can 

 grow more types of species and grow them better in the United 

 States versus other parts of the world and, of course, higher sur- 

 vival rates means more production and less production costs. 



All of this adds up to being able to grow more species in the 

 United States and a better product. The good news about aqua- 



