SEA GRANT COLLEGES 109 



something about ocean law, biological organisms in the ocean, and the geology of 

 the ocean bottom, he still is and should be first and foremost a physicist. It is 

 very doubtful that the technological breakthroughs that have been envisioned at 

 this meeting could come about through persons who are not well trained in a 

 given academic discipline. Although inter-disciplinary education certainly has 

 advantages up to a limit, we may be envisioning something beyond this limit in 

 terms of training of overall oceanographers. In other areas of endeavor that 

 have been discussed at these meetings, there is an obvious need for a broader 

 type of training program that does not delve to the very depths of any given aca- 

 demic discipline. In the training of technicians and extension agents, a curricu- 

 lum of this type has merit. It seems necessary, therefore, to have a clearer 

 understanding of the types of training programs we are concerned with and the 

 best means of accomplishing them. 



We see a need for a wide variety of approaches to the needs of oceanog- 

 raphy. Approaching the problem through technical training, extension work, and 

 applied arid basic research seems desirable. The writer has serious doubts as 

 to whether or not this is a type of program that would be compatible with the 

 present operation of the National Science Foundation, which has an enviable 

 record of supporting basic research programs. It would seem that other agen- 

 cies would better fit the needs for administering a program developed along the 

 lines of the sea- grant concept. 



A final remark would only be to repeat once again the objections to the 

 center of excellence idea, which were made during the meetings. For fairly 

 obvious reasons, the idea of developing a very limited number of centers of ex- 

 cellence in oceanography with federal funds is politically unfeasible. We should 

 not be content, however, to allow political implications to dictate educational 

 programs. I would, therefore, object to the centers of excellence concept on 

 the basis of academic advisability. A few centers of excellence might very well 

 be a reasonable means of approaching the needs for specialized basic research 

 in oceanography. If, however, we are to consider also the application of basic 

 research to specific problems and the results of these applications being ex- 

 tended to the industry itself, it is doubtful that a few centers of excellence would 

 accomplish these ends. To have an effective extension service, it must be ad- 

 ministered close to home. 



In summary, we at the University of New Hampshire are highly enthusias- 

 tic about the idea of a sea- grant college and strongly hope that future fruitful 

 discussions of the type held at this meeting will further define the idea to the 

 point where it will be possible very shortly to transform the idea into fact. 



FRANKLIN P. EGGERT, Dean of the Graduate School and Director of Research, 



University of Maine 



The concept of the sea- grant university as outlined by Dr. Spilhaus is a 

 valid one and should be heartily endorsed. The exploration, exploitation and 

 occupation of the oceans will become a necessity in the near future as we de- 

 plete the resources of our land masses and as population increases. The oceans 

 will belong only to those who have the required knowledge to utilize them. These 

 principles appear undebatable and, consequently must be supported. 



The source of funds for support and the agency through which the program 

 might be administered is more obscure than the basic principle. It is my opinion 

 that since the sea- grant concept involves a greater role than any present agency 

 now performs, a new agency such as that proposed by Senator Muskie (S. 2251) 

 might offer better possibilities provided the sea-grant concept is included. 



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