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• we can improve our understanding of environmental dynamics in a way that 

 will improve the fishing regulatory process; improve fishing methods; reduce 

 damage to the habitat by fishing 



• improve our understanding of the impact of dredging; increase the opportunity 

 for safe dredging; increase our understanding of urban effluent on the 

 environment; improve the ability of industry to operate near estuaries and 

 shorelines 



• and most importantly develop a scientifically-based set of algorithms and 

 models that will allow port captains and environmental regulatory authorities a 

 systematic way to deal with environmental specifics of their particular port 

 harbor, estuary, or region in a manner which is safe but commercially 

 supportive. 



These concepts would be a substantial factor in helping the United States 

 capture a large portion of the world's marine environmental regulatory and 

 remediation industry. This industry is projected to be as large as $250 billion 

 annually by the year 2006. This could mean thousands of well-paying jobs for the 

 United States, a vastly improved regulatory climate, fhendly both to the 

 environment and commerce and real progress in fisheries management. This is 

 not, Mr. Chairman, a pie-in-sky idea-we are ready to go with a solid plan. 



In April of 1995, Mr. Chairman, this proposal had been ranked Number 1 of 

 143 by the Technology Reinvestment Project. We had identified $3 million in 

 private funds available to match $3 million in federal funds to launch this important 

 project. A week later, the Regional Technology Alliance money was rescinded by 

 a well-intentioned, budget-balancing Congress. I applaud the Congress' effort to 

 balance the budget, Mr. Chairman. I submit, however, it is now time to review our 

 allocation of research dollars. I submit that programs, such as MASSRICON. 

 deserve your close attention and that the Regional Technology Alliance should be 

 re-established at an appropriate level. Thank you, Mr. Chaimrian, for the 

 opportunity to testify before your distinguished committee. With your permission, I 

 ask that my statement be included in the record and that a brief outline of the 

 MASSRICON Natural Laboratory Project and its scientific plan be attached to this 

 testimony. I would like to ask permission for my colleagues. Dr. Brian Rothschild, 

 the Director of our Marine Science Center; and Dr. Robert Weiss, a leader in the 

 marine industry, to each make a comment. Thank you, sir! 



1/19/96 /ct 



