123 



tion, oversight and appropriation committees and subcommittees in 

 the House and Senate. 



And I have up on the board — you can't see it, but I've provided 

 in your notes to each of the members here today that these 47 com- 

 mittees need not fear the fact that we come together and talk in 

 broad terms about ocean science. 



We beheve that they can continue to carry out their heavy re- 

 sponsibihties for individual agency funding and those linkages with 

 academia and the private sector in the normal fashion. 



But at least once a year, let's talk about broad national strategy 

 before the kinds of committees that you've brought together here 

 today, Mr. Chairman. 



A congressional task force brought together, much as you have 

 done, then, would provide a forum of information exchange at least 

 once a year for addressing broad strategies for more effective co- 

 ordination of ocean science and technology issues. Task force mem- 

 bership should cut across many, if not all, of the cognizant congres- 

 sional bodies. 



And by the way, I have talked to your colleagues in the Senate. 

 I think they^re ready to move in a similar fashion — both sides of 

 the aisle, bipartisan, strong support for what you're doing over here 

 in the House. 



And I think your leadership is to be commended and I believe 

 the Senate will follow. This will provide a very powerful signal, I 

 think, to our country that we're getting serious about the island na- 

 tion that we live in. 



Individual agency programs and budgets would continue to be 

 addressed, as I said, but under the broad rubric of strategic coordi- 

 nation where appropriate to efficient execution of programs. 



To bring this concept to fruition, the Congress should pass an 

 Ocean Partnership implementing legislation. This legislation 

 should support the continuing definition, development and imple- 

 mentation of partnerships in oceanography that can provide the 

 impetus needed at critical times. 



Without such an integrated Congressional Ocean Task Force ap- 

 proach, our proposed National Ocean Leadership Council, that you 

 see the embryo form of here today, would have little meaning and 

 the current fractionated system would be forced to continue un- 

 changed. 



The United States is looked up by the world as a leader in both 

 technology and policy for the marine environment. And nearly 30 

 years ago, this island nation took a bold step forward in redefining 

 our national investment in ocean sciences through the implementa- 

 tion of the recommendations of the Stratton Commission. 



The time for facing a broad set of challenges by re-examining our 

 nation's posture towards ocean science and technology is upon us. 

 I hope that the hearing today will serve as the first step in this 

 process, and there is a grand opportunity for us to work together 

 and build a better future for the nation through the oceans. 



The answers to many of our most pressing problems can be found 

 in our greatest natural resource, the oceans. 



Thaink you, Mr. Chairman. 



[The prepared statement of Admiral Watkins follows:! 



