present time, but many of these programs have already received in 

 the past logistic support from NURP, and we can benefit from re- 

 ceiving NURP support in the future for those components of our 

 regional research efforts that involve undersea research. 



I might suggest that one excellent opportunity for NURP in the 

 Gulf of Mexico is to join forces with the National Marine Sanctu- 

 ary Program in their effort to utilize a gas platform — offshore plat- 

 form that is actually within the boundaries of the new National 

 Marine Sanctuary in support of ecosystem research, deep sea re- 

 search, and environmental monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico. 



A point I would like to make in reference to these several pro- 

 grams, the NOAA Office of Oceanic Research houses NURP, Sea 

 Grant, and Regional Marine. If NURP is going to be expanded and 

 new centers are going to be located, I personally feel it should be 

 with additional funds appropriated, and it should not result in a 

 situation which would put NURP in competition with the other ex- 

 tramural research programs of NOAA. 



Basically, that is my message, and I make a plea for the commit- 

 tee to support the NOAA Extramural Programs across the board 

 and also to support, in general, the basic research programs that 

 are approaching the research needs for environmental quality in 

 the Gulf of Mexico. 



[The prepared statement of Dr. Bright may be found at the end 

 of the hearing.] 



Mr. Ortiz. Thank you, Dr. Bright. Again, we have another vote, 

 and I hate to leave again and be interrupted. But let me go vote, 

 and I will be right back, and I am hoping there won't be any more 

 interruptions. Thank you. I will be right back. 



[Recess.] 



Mr. Ortiz. Well, here we are. We are back again. We hope we 

 don't have any more interruptions, but who knows? Right, Curt? 



Mr. Weldon. Hopefully for an hour at least. 



Mr. Ortiz. Dr. Earle, whenever you are ready, you can com- 

 mence on your testimony. 



STATEMENT OF SYLVIA A. EARLE, MARINE SCIENTIST 



Dr. Earle. Mr. Chairman, and members of this subcommittee, it 

 is an honor to appear before you and to have an opportunity to 

 speak on behalf of those who favor a strong national commitment 

 to underwater exploration research and technology and who be- 

 lieve that substantial consistent funding for the National Under- 

 water Research Program 



Mr. Ortiz. Doctor, can you get closer to your mike please so we 

 can 



Dr. Earle. How is this? 



Mr. Ortiz. That is better. Thank you. 



Dr. Earle. That substantial funding is one of the best invest- 

 ments this country can make for the environment, for the econo- 

 my, for science, for technology, for the present and for the future of 

 the United States of America. Despite the famous zero funding syn- 

 drome that you described in your opening remarks, NURP has sur- 

 vived and accomplished near miracles with respect to keeping alive 

 this nation's reputation as a serious participant in civilian under- 



