OCEANOGRAPHY 1961 — PHASE 3 145 



The Smithsonian Institution is greatly interested in the field of oceanography 

 and welcomes the opportunity to share in the expansion of research now going 

 on in that important area of scientific knowledge. For more than a century, 

 since its inception in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has fostered and en- 

 couraged the increase and diffusion of knowledge in the realm of the natural 

 sciences. Its sustained interest in oceanography has been evidenced by the 

 many oceanographic expeditions in which it has participated and in the continu- 

 ing related taxonomic activities of its highly specialized statf of scientists. 



It is believed that statutory authority already exists for the Smithsonian 

 Institution generally to engage in oceanographic activities. This authority is 

 embodied in the act of August 10, 1846 (9 Stat. 105) and in the act of March 3, 

 1879 (20 Stat. 397). 



In regard to the provisions of H.R. 4276, the following comments are offered : 



Reference: Section 2. — The establishment of a high-level National Oceano- 

 graphic Council seems unnecessary in view of existing administrative arrange- 

 ments to coordinate national programs assigned to various agencies by law. 

 However, if such a Council were to be created, it is suggested that the Secretary 

 of the Smithsonian Institution be named to membership. 



Reference: Section 9 (a) (1). — The construction of additional taxonomic facili- 

 ties is not required immediately. At least during the initial stages, activities 

 incident to the expansion of the program of collecting aquatic and marine organ- 

 isms could be accommodated within the facilities of the additional west wing 

 of the Natural History Building. 



Reference: Section 9 (a) (2). — The Smithsonian Institution, is not staffed to 

 recruit, train, and place taxonomists in such number as may be required to 

 classify fishes and marine invertebrates collected in carrying out the purposes 

 of the bill. We suggest that this responsibility be left with universities and 

 other agencies which are presently handling such activities. 



Reference: Section 9(a). — By provision of the act of March 3, 1879, referred to 

 above, the Smithsonian Institution has been designated as the oflScial repository 

 of the governmental collections of rocks, minerals, soils, fossils, and objects of 

 natural history, archaeology and ethnology. However, it would be useful to re- 

 define repository responsibility in. this area and to assure that the collection and 

 preservation of marine organisms is given proper emphasis in the expansion of 

 oceanographic activities recently recommended by the President. We believe that 

 repository responsibility of the Institution can be aflBrmed by administrative 

 action and we shall continue our efforts in that direction. This would assure 

 that specimens collected in the course of the various phases of oceanographic 

 research which are no longer needed for investigations in progress would not be 

 lost but would ultimately be available for continuing taxonomic study. 



The Bureau of the Budget advises that there is no objection to the submission 

 of this report to the Congress. 

 Sincerely yours, 



Leonard Cabmichael, Secretary. 



The Seceetaby of the Teeasuet, 



Washington, April 28, 1961. 

 Hon. Heebert C. Bonneb, 



Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 

 House of Representatives, Washington, B.C. 



My Deae Me. Chaieman : Reference is made to your request for the views 

 of this Department on H.R. 4276, to expand and develop the aquatic resources of 

 the United States including the oceans, estuaries, and rivers, the Great Lakes and 

 other inland waters, to enhance the general welfare, and for other purposes. 



The bill would create a National Oceanographic Council which would be given 

 broad authority apparently designed to permit the Council to direct the national 

 oceanographic effort. 



The President in his letter to the Speaker of the House dated March 29, 1961, 

 outlined an extensive national program in oceanography, including the construc- 

 tion of ships, shore facilities, and data centers; conduct of basic and applied 

 oceanographic research ; training of oceanographers ; and surveys of the oceans. 



The letter stated that the program would require the combined efforts of our 

 institutions, both public and private, and the coordinated efforts of many Federal 

 agencies. However, the letter did not recommend a new governmental organiza- 

 tion such as would be established by the bill, but envisaged that the program 



