148 SEA GRAIsT COLLEGES 



AVe are at this time taking steps to obtain broader authority than 

 is now avaihable to the Secretary of the Interior for the support of 

 research and development in colleges, universities, industry, and pri- 

 vate and nonprivate research institutions. This will enhance con- 

 siderably the Department's ability to effect marine geological and 

 mineral resources research and development through extramural pro- 

 grams. A combination of this new authority being sought with that 

 now available will give the Department of the Interior ample admin- 

 istrative mechanisms to use in carrying out the intent and purposes 

 of much of the program provided for by S. 2439. 



In summary, Mr. Chairman, we support the purposes of the sea 

 grant college bill. We recognize the desirability of more extensive 

 participation in marme resources developments by colleges and uni- 

 versities. We believe that the National Science Foundation should 

 increase its support of basic research and scientific education in areas 

 of oceanographic activity ; and that major responsibility for programs 

 aimed at exploiting marine resources should continue to be vested in 

 the Department of the Interior. 



Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to pre- 

 sent our statement. 



Senator Pell. Eight. Dr. Bates, I thank you very much. As I 

 would interpret your testimony, you think it is an excellent idea but 

 you think you should administer it. Would you think that would be 

 it, in capsule form ? 



Dr. Bates. In capsule form, definitely, but not to the exclusion of 

 other agencies like NSF. 



Senator Pell. One thought I have had in mind is that this program 

 for the practical exploitation of knowledge we already have might on 

 a temporary basis go to the Smithsonian Institution with the under- 

 standing it will be spun off to whatever agency might be set up by the 

 decision of the Council under Senator Magnuson's bill in 2, 3, or 4 

 years. As you know, this has happened in the past and I was wonder- 

 ing what your reaction would be to this as a thought. 



Dr. Bates. It is difficult for me, at short cursory glance, to see the 

 logic of temporary action in this situation. We feel that in Interior 

 we already have programs well under way that involve the three as- 

 pects of this bill — education, extension, research, and development. 

 By accentuating and giving the appropriate image that this bill would 

 give to programs that are in existence, we can move directly into this 

 operation and save some time that might otherwise be spent spinning 

 some wheels. 



Senator Pell. I believe I am correct in saying that the Bureau 

 of Commercial Fisheries was originally in the Smithsonian and was 

 spun off to your Department, is that correct ? 



Dr. Bates. Perhaps Mr. McKernan can answer that. 



Mr. Kernan. I don't believe so. Senator. The Bureau of Commer- 

 cial Fisheries was one time in the Department of Commerce. It was 

 originally a fish commission hack in the late 1800's, during its early 

 formation. I don't recall, although I could be incorrect, I don't recall 

 that it was ever with Smithsonian. 



Senator Pell. We had better put this off the record. 



(Discussion off the record. ) 



Mr. EcKLES. I think it might have been Spencer F. Baird who was 

 at one time the Director of the Smithsonian Institution and became the 

 first Commissioner of Fisheries. 



