5. Finally, an additional recommendation concerning better ex- 
change of information is that industry should provide an observ- 
er on the ICO on a rotating basis for a term of at least 1 year. 
OSTAC would be pleased to submit nominations, it being under- 
stood that the appointment would be subject to approval by ICO. 
f. Tax Writeoff. A rational tax writeoff of funds invested in 
oceanographic exploration and exploitation would encourage and ac- 
celerate commercial exploitation of the Continental Shelf. The hos- 
tility of the shelf’s environment and the lack of operating techniques 
make companies reluctant to invest. A wise tax law would encourage 
more commercial work in oceanography. 
g. Waste Disposal. This is a subject requiring more investigation. 
However, as a start an appropriate Federal agency should establish 
reference points so that the effect of projected increases in the rate of 
disposal into the ocean can be accurately determined and a knowledge 
obtained as to the type of material being disposed. 
h. Oceanographic Instrumentations. A National Oceanographic 
Instrumentation Center should be established under management and 
funding responsibility of a single agency. It should serve every agen- 
cy on a cost-reimbursable basis. Its functions should include the 
service of calibration and standardization of instruments, develop- 
ment of standards and specifications, and consulting services on instru- 
mentation development. 
The above recommendations for single agency management of 
NODC and an NOIC do not contemplate duplication of present efforts. 
Furthermore, in each case the agency to be charged with the responsi- 
bility for the respective center should not only serve its own needs, 
but should be responsive to the interests of all Federal and State 
agencies, the scientific community, and industry. 
3. PARTICIPANTS IN CONTINENTAL-SHELF CONFERENCE AT 
DAVID TAYLOR MODEL BASIN 
Conference Planning Committee 
ROBERT ABEL 
Executive Secretary 
Interagency Committee on Oceanog- 
raphy 
JOHN H. JORGENSON 
OSTAC Committee Executive 
NSIA 
Amor L. LANE 
Chairman, OSTAC Executive Commit- 
tee 
American Machine and Foundry Co. 
122 
Dr. THoMAS P. MELOY 
Chairman, Continental Shelf Confer- 
ence 
Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. 
Capt. EpwarpD SNYDER 
Special Assistant to Assistant Secre- 
tary of the Navy (R. & D.) 
