mullusks. Data on the marine mammal collections in NMNH as well 

 as those at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and the 

 Museum of Natural History at the University of Kansas were record- 

 ed for computer storage as a first step in providing a comprehensive 

 computer-based catalogue of all collections of living marine 

 mammals. 



Instrumentation 



NOAA's National Oceanographic Instrumentation Center (NOIC) 

 in Washington, D.C., provides the marine sciences community with 

 the means of testing and evaluating new instruments and calibrating 

 operational instruments, both under laboratory conditions and con- 

 ditions which simulate the harsh environment of the sea. Between 

 January 1970 and September 1972, the Center evaluated and report- 

 ed on 30 new oceanographic instruments, and calibrated thousands 

 of thermometers and other pieces of test equipment. To become more 

 responsive to the need for calibration of oceanographic instruments, 

 it has established regional centers in Seattle, Washington, San 

 Diego, California, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. These regional 

 facilities provide test and evaluation capabilities where they are 

 most needed, and at the same time reduce the expense and hazard of 

 shipping delicate equipment. 



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