38 



Our legislation will use the many existing benefits of the Sea 

 Grant Program, and will not require the creation of new adminis- 

 trative mechanisms to support further advancements in marine 

 biotechnology. 



Sea Grant has led the U.S. effort in marine biotechnology, and 

 has both the experience and the infrastructure to foster the growth 

 of this field as quickly as possible. 



I believe that the legislative concept being considered by this 

 committee is precisely what is needed to ensure that the United 

 States remains at the forefront of this promising new frontier. 



Thank you for this opportunity to offer my views. I look forward 

 to cooperating with you, Mr. Chairman, and other members of this 

 committee to assist in its passage at the earliest possible oppor- 

 tunity. 



I would just add that what the Sea Grant Program really is, is 

 applied research, only applied research, and how to convert theo- 

 retical knowledge into dollars and jobs. 



Senator Stevens. Well, thank you very much, Senator. 



My colleague in the House, Congressman Young, has joined Con- 

 gressman Studds in introducing a bill over there, and has indicated 

 they would like to have one introduced here. I intend to do that. 

 And I understand Senator Kerry may wish to join. We would be 

 happy to have you join in that effort if you would like to do so. 



Senator Pell. I would like to very much. 



Senator Stevens. Thank you very much. I appreciate your cour- 

 tesy in coming and presenting your statement today. 



Senator Pell. Thank you very much. 



Senator Stevens. Thank you. 



Mr. Helms, if I might ask you, in terms of your expansion, do you 

 seek assistance in expansion or strictly in the marine biotechnology 

 area, as far as your operations are concerned? 



Mr. Helms. Well, we would seek assistance in new products, 

 which would be part of our expansion, such as oysters. And we 

 would also seek continued assistance in the development of tech- 

 nology which would increase shelf life, allow for greater swings in 

 temperature and salinity — all of the problems which any marine 

 aquaculturist faces from a production standpoint. 



Senator Stevens. And have you reviewed that marine bio- 

 technology investment act that Dr. Burris looked at? 



Mr. Helms. To a certain extent. I understand more than I have 

 studied it. 



Senator Stevens. Good. Well, we appreciate having you here. 



Senator Pell, Dr. Burris is the Director and Chief Executive Offi- 

 cer of the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, and Mr. 

 Bennett Helms is the chief executive officer of the Atlantic Little 

 Neck Clam Farms, and a constituent of Senator Hollings from 

 South Carolina. And Mr. Mark Silva is the research director of 

 American Proteins, which is located in Massachusetts, but funded 

 out of Georgia; right? 



Mr. Silva. No, sir. American Proteins corporate is in Georgia. I 

 just live in Massachusetts. 



Senator Stevens. Oh, it is in Georgia. 



Mr. Silva. To be close to the Pell Library. [Laughter.] 



