research data for the Bureau and for others working in the field of 

 oceanography. The Coast Survey is undertaking comprehensive 

 oceanographic investigations in cooperation with scientists from 

 other agencies. Currently a program is being carried out by the 

 USC&GS ship, Pioneer, in the North Pacific, referred to this 

 morning by Admiral Pierce in regard to navigational problems, 

 wherein information is being compiled on many phases of ocea- 

 nography, i.e., bathymetry, gravity, magnetics, temperature, sa- 

 linity, dissolved oxygen, plankton, currents, bottom sediments, 

 and meteorological measurements. In addition to the work of the 

 Pioneer, other USC&GS ships are adding increasing amounts of 

 oceanographic work to their charting activities and the working 

 season of the four major ships is being extended. However, at the 

 present, our knowledge is limited largely to waters one hundred 

 miles fromi shore and even here it is inadequate for present and 

 future needs. 



Marine science, with the support of the United States govern- 

 ment, is being expanded at an accelerated rate. In the long run the 

 rate of progress in the basic marine sciences will determine pro- 

 gress in the applied marine sciences, the success of which depends 

 upon the size of our reservior of fundamental knowledge. Military 

 defense, marine resources, and marine radioactivity are areas of 

 paramount importance for oceanwide, ocean-deep study. The 

 Committee on Oceanography of the National Academy of Sciences -- 

 National Research Council has recommended that either the Coast 

 and Geodetic Survey or the Public Health Service should be made 

 responsible for engineering studies in and near disposal sites of 

 radioactive materials in the oceans, for routine monitoring of 

 disposal areas and their surroundings, and for a continuing assess- 

 ment of the effects on the environments of added radioactive mater- 

 ials. 



Since the Coast and Geodetic Survey is primarily a survey 

 organization, it is felt that the expansion of this urgently needed 

 data collection program, during the interim period while research 

 vessels are being constructed, can most economically be effected 

 through long-period monitoring of stabilized platforms and buoys. 

 An oceanwide buoy system has already been recommended for 

 operation by the Survey. Such a system could economically be 

 assimilated into the Bureau's normal work, with the ships acting 

 as tenders while pursuing their usual duties. 



Development of such a buoy system can best be categorized 



93 



