298 OCE.\XOGR.\PHY 1961 — PHL\SE 3 



the atomic bomb testing carried out in the Pacific area, and its possible effect 

 on the life of the ocean. 



In addition. The Division carried on investigations at the request of or in 

 conjunction with other Government agencies or outside institutions, collects 

 mollusks while tating part in expeditions or explorations of regions of which 

 the moUusks are little or imperfectly known, and evaluate manuscripts on 

 mollusks submitted for review and criticism. 



The present Smithsonian staff in the Divisions of Marine Invertebrates, 

 Mollusks, and Fishes comprises approximately 25 positions with an annual 

 budgetary allotment of approximately S200.000. Subject to budgetary limita- 

 tions and to the availability of professionals skilled in these fields, substantial 

 Increases in the staff are indicated in the future, particularly in view of the 

 current expansion of oceanographie research on a broad front. 



In the field of plant science, it must be kept in mind that all animal life in 

 the sea ultimately depends upon plants-diatoms, microscopic and small algae, 

 seaweeds, and sea grasses and their relatives. The composition of plankton, 

 an important element in the food chain of the sea. cannot be understood without 

 a knowledge of the identity of its plant components. At present the Smithsonian 

 staff includes only one dia'tomist : expansion of the staff to provide for adequate 

 coverage of the taxonomy of algae and other marine plants is urgent. 



In addition to research ia the area of biological oceanography, it should be 

 added that our Department of Geology is also concerned, since these scientists 

 study marine fossils as well as terrestrial. As examples, studies of the fossil 

 record and evolutionary history of such marine groups as brachiopcds, bryozoa, 

 and echinoids are now in progress. A study of foraminifera impinges upon the 

 living forms, and a current staff member has made several trips with logistic 

 support from the Woods Hole Oceanographie Institute. The physical geologists 

 on the Museum of Natural History staff are not at present studying marine 

 deposits or the physical properties of the oceans, but expansions in this direc- 

 tion is a distinct possibility. 



The provisions of section 9 of H.E. 4276 relate specifically to the activities of 

 the Smithsonian Institution. In our letter of June 23, 1961. we advised that 

 statutory authority already exists for the Smithsonian Institution generally to 

 engaee in the natural history phases of oceanographie activities. This authority 

 is embodied in the act of August 10, 1846. and in the act of March 3, 1879. 



In resi)onse to your direction the following additional comments are furnished. 

 Regardinsr se^-tion 2 which provides for the establishment of a National Oceano- 

 graphie Council, we reiterate our earlier suggestion that if such a Council were 

 to be created, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be named to mem- 

 bership in view of his resiwnsibilities in this field. Smithsonian is not a mem- 

 ber of the Interagency Committee on Oceanography although we are generally 

 informed of its transactions. In this connection it should be noted that I serve 

 as chairman of the standing committee of the Federal Council for Science and 

 Technology, as an associated inter-agency body. 



In reference to section 9<'a) CI), which would authorize the construction of 

 additional taxonomic facilities, we believe that such authorization may well 

 be needed in the future as this program advances and collections of acquatic 

 and marine organisms accumulate. The construction of the authorized addi- 

 tions to our ^Museum of Natural History which is now underway, however, 

 should provide the n^ce^^sary expanded work room and laboratory space for 

 our needs in the immediate future. 



In reference to section 9(a) (2). ysre advised earlier that the Institution is not 

 currently 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 recognize the need to develop specialists in this 

 field, however, and should the Consress establish such a prosrram the Smithsonian 

 Institution would of course be pleased to cooperate in every way consistent with 

 the terms of such an authorization. 



One effective means of encouragement would be the provision of fellowship or 

 grant opportunities for graduate study and research in connection with the pro- 

 grams of the Institution. 



In refer'^nce to section 0(a.) (S). the Institution does not now have authority 

 to make grants of funds or fellowshins to qualified scientists, institutions, labora- 

 tories, or museums for taxonomy relatin? to marine organisms. 



In ref*»rence to spction 9('aW4^. the Institution does cooperate with other 

 govermental agencies and with other public and private organizations in this 



