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14 

 reduced environmental impact of offshore activities, increased efficiency in the workplace, 



and improved data collection, assimilation, and dissemination would be of value to a wide 



range of nonmilitary marine users." Conversely, the practical experience and technical 



expertise of private sector scientists, engineers, and offshore operators could prove to be a 



valuable resource to academic and government personnel. 



A reexamination of the present partnerships between federal agencies, academia, and 

 the private sector can have a beneficial effect if careful attention is given to preserving those 

 aspects of existing partnerships that work well while building broader, interactive 

 relationships. In particular, increased cooperation in planning and use of physical resources 

 (e.g., ships, satellites, and submersibles) could result in increased efficiency and better 

 platforms for ocean science. Enhanced communication between the users and producers of 

 basic and applied research can only strengthen the system of scientific endeavor that has 

 earned and maintained the United States a place as the world leader in ocean science. 



Thank you Chairman Weldon, Chairman Saxton, Chairman Rohrabacher, and 

 Members of the Subcommittees for your interest in the NRC's recommendations regarding 

 the future of oceanographic research in the United States. 



