284 OCEANOGRAPHY 1961 — PHASE 3 



STATEMENT OF DR. LEONARD CARMICHAEL, SECRETARY OF THE 

 SMITHSONIAN; ACCOMPANIED BY JAMES BRADLEY, ASSISTANT 

 SECRETARY, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 



Dr. Carmichael. Mr. Cliairman and gentlemeiij may I introduce 

 Mr. Bradley, Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 



Mr. Bradley. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Dr. Carmichael. Thank you very much for allowing us to appear. 

 I should also like to thank you for your letter asking for the com- 

 ments of the Smithsonian institution on H.K. 4276, a bill 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 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 knowl- 

 edge. For more than a century, since its inception in 1846, the Smith- 

 sonian Institution has fostered and encouraged the increase and dif- 

 fusion of knowledge in the realm of natural sciences. Its sustained 

 interest in oceanography has been evidenced by the many oceanogra- 

 phic expeditions in which it has participated and in the continuing 

 related taxonomic activities of its highly specialized staff of scientists. 



It is believed that statutory authority already exists for the Smith- 

 sonian 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 : 



Eef erence : Section 2. The establishment of a high-level National 

 Oceanographic Council seems unnecessary in view of existing ad- 

 ministrative arrangements 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 Insti- 

 tution be named to membership. 



I feel a little embarrassed to say that 



Mr, DiNGELL. Mr. Secretary, I think you are perfectly correct in 

 your position and I hope that you will be very vigorous in asserting it. 



Dr. Carmichael. Thank you. 



Eef erence: Section 9 (a) (1). The construction of additional 

 taxonomic facilities is not required immediately. At least during 

 the initial stages, activities incident to the expansion of the program 

 of collecting aquatic and marine organisms could be accommodated 

 within the facilities of the additional west wing of the Natural His- 

 tory Building. 



This west wing is now being constructed. I hesitate to define the 

 word "taxonomy" since I learned the word late in life, but it is a word 

 that refers to tlie whole science of correctly classifying, in biology, all 

 living organisms. 



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 



