24 



The third recommendation is that each federal agency with a ma- 

 rine-related mission should find mechanisms to guarantee the con- 

 tinuing vitality of the underlying basic science on which their ef- 

 forts depend. 



Maintaining diversity and balance in the funding of research and 

 development is of paramount importance to maintaining our na- 

 tion's leadership position in science and technology all across the 

 board. 



The fourth recommendation is that federal and academic re- 

 searchers should improve the cooperative use of facilities and the 

 conduct of joint research. 



And the fifth recommendation is that the present system for data 

 management and exchange within and among the various elements 

 of the marine science community needs to be modernized and im- 

 proved. 



My final point is that academia and federal agencies should also 

 make greater efforts to develop stronger relationships with private- 

 sector scientists. 



This issue is stated and explained in much more detail in the re- 

 port that was just released this morning for the National Research 

 Council, entitled, "Expanding the Uses of Naval Ocean Science and 

 Technology." 



Let me quote: 



"Ocean science research and technology development that lead to 

 reduced environmental impact of offshore activities that increased 

 efficiency in the work place, and improved data collection, assimila- 

 tion and dissemination, would be of value to a wide range of non- 

 military marine users." 



Conversely, the practical experience and technical expertise of 

 the private-sector scientists, engineers and offshore operators could 

 prove to be a valuable resource to both academic and government 

 personnel. 



So, to summarize, we must maintain our commitment to ensur- 

 ing that our limited resources are made available to the best sci- 

 entists and applied towards the most critical problems. This means 

 that we must do a better job of building broader and more inter- 

 active relationships. 



Increased cooperation and planning and use of physical re- 

 sources, such as ships, satellites, and submersibles, would result in 

 increased efficiency and better science. And enhanced communica- 

 tion between the users and producers of basic and applied research 

 will strengthen the system of scientific endeavor that has made the 

 United States the world leader in ocean science. 



Mr. Chairman, I thank all of you for this opportunity to testify 

 and the National Research Council is pleased to be of service to the 

 nation. 



[The prepared statement of Dr. Alberts follows:] 



