131 ■ 



The U. 3. Coast and Geodetic Survev would likewise assist 3n 

 the improvement of instruments for mensuring ocean currents (now 

 much needed) is well as for taking soundings, both hv expert in- 

 struction and (funds being provided) by the construction of exper- 

 imental models in its own shops. Similarly, the Naval Research Lab- 

 oratory can often help b^^ consultation, and can be called upon for 

 aid in particular cases, if not endangering militarv secrets. 



J. PTTBLICATION 



Little assistance can be expected from government agencies in 

 publication of the resuD.ts of general oceanographic investigations 

 carried on by other institutions, their funds for pul)]ication being 

 too definitely allocated to other purposes. The IJ. 3. National 

 Museum, would, no doubt, be willing to publish accounts of such bio- 

 lop:lcal collections as mie!;ht come into its possession. And the IT. 

 S. Geological Survey can publish in its regular series the results 

 of any studies tint its ov/n staff rai,!--;;ht make in the fields of sed- 

 imentation or submarine geology generally. Put publication of out- 

 side work on any large scale, b:- these or other bureaux, would de- 

 mand provision of funds from outside sources. And assuming that 

 such funds could be accepted, the question woi.ild arise whether other 

 scientific serials would not provide a more fitting vehicle. 



Ill ANALYSIS BY INSTITUTI )NS 



The folloviring remarks on the scope and limitation of the sever- 

 al governmental agencies from which the greatest amount of coopera- 

 tion is to be expected, will serve as explanation of the foregoing 

 survey. These have been prepared in each case in consultation with 

 their administrative officers. 



A. F":iDi:R/^iL ESTABLISHMMTS OF THE UNITED STATES 



1. United States Bureau of Fisheries. 



The Bureau of Fisheries stands ?'n a position toward Oceanogra- 

 phy different from any other governmental insitutlon in the United 

 States, for its entire program of research, and of conservation of 

 the marine fisheries, is intimately bound up with basic oceano- 

 graphic problems. There is perhaps no field of Oceanography, biol- 

 ogic or physical, in which the Bureau of Fisheries has not parti- 

 cipated to a greater or less extent in tl^e past, nor has there been 

 a time, since the Bureau was founded, when it has not had some sort 

 of oceanographic investigation under way. 



In the original ,ioint resolution of Congress, approved Feb. 9, 

 1871, providing for the appointment of the first Commissioner of 

 Fish and Fisheries, it was resolved; "that it shall be the duty of 

 said Commissioner to prosecute investigations with a view to as- 

 certaining v;hether any and what diminution in the num.ber of food 

 fishes in the coast and lakes of the United States has taken place, 

 and if so, to what causes the same is due: and also ivhether and 

 Vvhat particular prohibitory or pi'ecautionary methods should be 

 adopted ." Vi^ith so broad a statutor^;^ programi, the activities of 



