11 



If the Committee permits, I would also like to take this opportunity to briefly dis- 

 cuss the importance and potential of marine biotechnology. Biotechnology is listed 

 as one of the Administration's five Presidential initiatives identified by the Federal 

 Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology as critical to the Na- 

 tion's future technological strength, economic growth, and health and quality of life. 

 If the oceans are to continue to provide a bounty of natural resources for the use 

 of mankind, we must find new and innovative ways of using and replenishing their 

 resources. The application of marine biotechnology provides the potential to sustain 

 and enhance production of marine resources. Marine biotechnology is the application 

 of the techniques of cellular and molecular biology to marine organisms. The evo- 

 lution of marine species and their adaptability to unique ecosystems within the 

 ocean realm hold within their genetic, chemical and biological structures a wealth 

 of information which are assisting us in identifying solutions to many unsolved 

 problems. A few examples of possible applications of marine biotechnology include 

 aquaculture production, bio re mediation (the use of cultivated natural bacteria which 

 consume and breakdown toxic pollutants), studies on the effect of exploitation of fish 

 stocks on population genetics, diagnostic tests for seafood safety, and the discovery 

 of new industrial and biochemical products. 



Mr. Chairman, thank you for giving me the opportunity to present NOAA's FY 

 1994 Budget Request. I will be happy to answer any questions the Committee may 

 have. 



Senator Kerry. Thank you very much, Dr. Baker. Let me begin 

 by asking you, if I may, last December you sent us a 

 reprogramming request for $50 million in the 1993 budget, and 

 that was only partially approved by Congress. No subsequent re- 

 quest has been submitted. It is my understanding that, if we do not 

 resolve this, you could have funds for the National Weather Service 

 and the National Marine Fisheries Services exhausted before the 

 end of this year. Is that accurate? 



Dr. Baker. It is my understanding that a reprogramming re- 

 quest is currently being put together. Maybe Mr. Moxam could tell 

 us where that stands. 



Senator Kerry. Is this reflective of the current status? 



Dr. Baker. Yes, sir. 



Senator Kerry. What is the approximate amount still pending? 



Mr. Moxam. The amount is $23 million, and we are looking at 

 some of the satellite funds as sources. It would address operational 

 concerns in the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National 

 Weather Service, and the National Ocean Service. 



Senator Kerry. When you say it would affect those three serv- 

 ices, those are the line offices that would run short? 



Mr. Moxam. Yes, sir. 



Senator Kerry. But the recruitment of the $23 million will come 

 from where? The Appropriations Committee, I gather, has sug- 

 gested that the Commerce Department has to find that somewhere 

 within the Commerce Department; is that accurate? 



Mr. Moxam. Yes, sir. That is accurate, and that is one of the 

 sources being considered right now. There could be transfers from 

 other agencies within the Department. As allowed under the Fiscal 

 Year 1993 Appropriations Act, up to 5 percent can be transferred 

 from other agencies. So, that would be one source. 



Senator Kerry. Have you identified which agencies will take the 

 hit or which programs? 



Mr. Moxam. I believe right now, what is pending is the Economic 

 Development Administration and the National Institute of Stand- 

 ards and Technology. But as you can imagine, Mr. Chairman, this 

 is a fluid situation and we are still looking at it. 



