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The Role of Academic Institutions in the Development of Marine Resources 



AND Technology 



report of the council of oceanographio laboratory directors 



1. The Council of Oceanographic Laboratory Directors. 



2. The Scope of Oceanography. 



3. The Role of the Academic Institutions. 



4. Relationships with Mission-Oriented Government Agencies. 



5. The Funding of Fundamental Research. 



6. The Funding of Mission-Oriented Research. 



7. The Funding of Engineering Research. 



8. Long-Term and Block Funding. 

 J). The Sea Grant College Program. 



10. Regional Fleet Operation. 



11. Research Vessel Operation Funding. 



12. Ship Replacements and Additions. 



13. Shore Facilities. 



14. Oceanographic Manpower and Training. 



Appendix I. Notes on the Funding of Fundamental Research. 

 Appendix II. Notes on Manpower and Training. 



1. The Council of Oceanographic Laboratory Directors 



The Council represents the ten academic research institutions of the U.S.A. 

 which engage in the field of basic oceanographic science as defined in the fol- 

 lowing section. It includes all of those institutions which operate seagoing 

 vessels and have permanent qualified staffs and continuing institutional research 

 programs. It does not include a considerable number of smaller institutions 

 which have not met the foregoing criteria, or which are primarily adjuncts of 

 biology of biomedical departments or which are largely for visiting, non-oceano- 

 graphic scientists or summer students. Thus, it includes all of the pioneer 

 institutions which have been the backbone of the development of oceanographic 

 science and technology during the past thirty years or more and probably rep- 

 resents at least 90 percent of the basic and academic scientific research now 

 being carried on in oceanography. 



The institutes do not necessarily follow a common pattern or organization 

 nor are all of them restricted to basic research and education. Some have 

 pioneered in ocean engineering education in recent years. Otliers have con- 

 centrated upon naval applications. Some are engeged in fisheries research, 

 others are not. But, in discussing the role of these institutes, we find strong uni- 

 fying principles which embrace all of them. 



Our purpo!-e here is to outline the vital role which these institutions play in 

 ocean resource development and technology and to describe briefly some of the 

 difficulties which are seriously theatening our efforts to continue effectively tliis 

 role in future development. We feel that the institutes have not been adequately 

 represented in national policy and, as a result, have received relatively little 

 support and consideration compared to that accorded to other agencies. We 

 hope that the institution of COLD will help to improve this liaison. 



2. The Scope of Oceanography 



The term oceanography, as generally used today, has come to include a 

 broad spectrum of activities related to the ocean, even including some space 

 activities. These activities have widely differing objectives and functions. They 

 have not been clearly distinguished for budgetary purposes in recent years so 

 tliat the published figures do not accurately represent the distribution of funds. 

 (See Appendix I) It may therefore be well to redefine them. 



At one end of the spectrum is basic oceanographic research, the exercise of 

 intellectual curiosity towards a better understanding of the oceans. This is the 

 primary role of the universities. They are the principal source of knowledge 

 upon which other "oceanographic" activities draw in the exercise of their 

 functions. 



The application of basic scientific knowledge in the development and control 

 of mineral, living and other marine resources ; to the prediction and control of the 

 environment, including sea and weather ; and to the development of offensive and 

 defensive naval systems : these are in general the missions of government agencies. 



