carnivorous animals. In addition, it is necessary to develop means 

 for protecting naval personnel against a wide variety of venomous 

 and poisonous organisms vi^hich may be encountered in the course of 

 naval operations. The Hydrobiology Program is yielding informa- 

 tion on the seasonal and geographic distribution of obnoxious marine 

 forms which enables the Navy to consider this problem during the 

 planning of naval operations. In addition, the scientists engaged in 

 hydrobiological research are conducting physiological, biochemical, 

 and pharmacological investigations to develop means for repelling 

 or deterring dangerous marine forms as well as to evolve thera- 

 peutic measures for treating personnel injured by such animals. A 

 number of compounds and techniques have been discovered which 

 show promise of aiding in the control of this problem. 



4. Prediction and control of marine bioluminescence: In cer- 

 tain geographic areas during certain seasons there occurs tremen- 

 dous growths of populations of marine plants and animals which 

 emit visible light when stimulated mechanically. This phenomenon 

 has resulted in rendering surface vessels, submarine and mine 

 fields detectable from the air. During World War II, a number of 

 ships and torpedo boats were detected and attacked because of the 

 bioluminescent wakes resulting from mechanical stimulation of 

 light-emitting organisms. The Hydrobiology Program is providing 

 the Navy with data regarding the geographic distribution, type, and 

 seasonal occurrence of bioluminescence. This data is important in 

 the planning of naval operations. In addition, research is being con- 

 ducted to establish the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of 

 bioluminescence in the hope that it may become possible to develop 

 means for controlling this phenomenon. 



The limitations of space prevent a complete discussion of the 

 other hydrobiological problems of interest to the Navy. However, 

 they are listed as follows: 



5. Prediction and control of populations of fishes of commer- 

 cial and sports importance occurring in areas in which the Navy is 

 conducting underwater acoustic or explosive tests. 



6. Prediction and control of populations of marine organisms 

 which could be susceptible to radioactive contamination as a result 

 of exposure to underwater nuclear explosions. 



7. Prediction and control of marine organisms interfering 

 with mine warfare, mine countermeasures, as well as submarine 

 and anti-submarine warfare operations. This is a classified re- 

 search phase of the Hydrobiology Program. 



B. The second major objective of the Hydrobiology Program is 

 to provide the Navy with means for utilizing or emulating marine 



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