138 



Admiral James Watkins 



and several other physical oceanographic efforts have been designed to maximize partnerships 

 with programs in other agencies such as NOAA. ONR, NSF and DOE. Much of the MMS 

 ocean science program has involved developing a better understanding of marine ecosystems 

 and marine environmental monitoring. Some of these efforts are now conducted for MMS 

 through a partoership with the NBS. 



In summary, the MTvIS has many active partnerships and looks forward to new opportimities 

 for partoership to meet the many demands for scientific information to support the OCS 

 Program. The costs of oceanographic research are great, and with ever-increasing scrutiny of 

 federal budgets, it becomes more important than ever to seek out cooperative ventures. 



Please contact Dr. Ken Turgeon, Chief, Environmental Studies Branch, at (703) 787-1717 if 

 you would like clarification or additional information on the environmental studies program 

 and our research partnerships with State and local governments, academia and other Federal 

 agencies. 



Sincerely, 



j-OJ-H 



?}lKa^iQjcuu.-^ 



CynthialQuarterman 

 Director 



