SEA GRANT COLLEGES H' 



initial period we can improve the chances for technical innovation and effective, 

 imaginative approaches to our problems. 



We must also remember that while the sea-grant university is an idea of 

 the 20th Century, it is an idea for the 21st Century. 



CHARLES G. WILBER, Director, Marine Laboratories, University of Delaware 



After careful thought on the matter I am, in principle, in support of the 

 sea- grant college idea. I feel that certain details of the Pell bill may have to 

 be modified as a matter of practical politics. However, I feel that the general 

 concept is sound and should receive the support of the oceanographic community. 



To my mind one of the most important aspects of the bill and the concept 

 is the insuring of continuous, dependable, long term support for college efforts 

 in the marine sciences. It is gratifying to realize that leaders in the field are 

 no longer satisfied with the project type of support. I feel that I have had a 

 resaonable amount of experience both as administrator, research worker, and 

 as university teacher to maintain that the project method of supporting our 

 scientific endeavors leaves much to be desired. I would urge that any implemen- 

 tation of the sea-grant college idea insure this type of continuous, dependable, 

 long-term financing. The field of oceanography is so broad that it requires much 

 imagination, daring, and innovations; long term financing of research and educa- 

 tion in the field is a must. 



To nny mind certain aspects of the bill require changing or modification. 

 I am thinking specifically of some way to encourage the formation of regional 

 oceanographic colleges which might be operated by several cooperating states 

 to the benefit of all. I also have misgivings over the present wording of the bill 

 which seems to indicate that support under the sea-grant college legislation 

 could go to private concerns and to individuals. I feel that, if this were left in 

 the bill, I would be forced to do all I could to defeat the legislation. I do not 

 know what private concerns would qualify under the broad education and research 

 aspects of the bill. Certainly I do not know where individuals would qualify or 

 should. It is my view that support under this legislation should be limited to 

 recognized colleges and universities, either private or public. The legislation 

 should not make funds available under the sea- grant concept to private industry 

 or to individuals. 



Finally, in our debate and thinking on the sea-grant college concept we must 

 never forget or allow legislators to forget that this is 'an educational venture. We 

 must urge that the educational aspects of the bill not be lost or snowed under by 

 the research aspects. 



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