194 SEA GRANT COLLEGES 



not familiar with the new techniques available. This is perhaps the 

 major reason we have fallen to fifth place among fishing nations of 

 the world and Russia's catch has increased 250 percent in the past 

 10 years while ours has declined. In fishmg, oceanography, and 

 merchant marine as well, the Soviet Union presents a great challenge 

 to this country. Sea grant colleges can be one answer. 



The investment in the sea grant college system could pay off in 

 economic terms for this country m a very short time. For example in 

 my area, the nucleus for a regional center of excellence in oceanog- 

 raphy such as the bill describes, is alread}^ in existence. The energy, 

 motivation, and talent to produce a great spurt of growth in ocean- 

 ography is already present in southeastern JMassachusetts, as I am sure 

 it is in a number of centers across the country. 



This area has as a focal point Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- 

 tion, where much of the advanced work in oceanography is being 

 done today. Also in the area are a number of industries which make 

 oceanographic equipment. These could have a role to play in the 

 sea grant college system. Serious thought is being given to intro- 

 ducing an oceanography' curriculum at some of the colleges in the 

 area. Southeastern Massachusetts Technical Institute for example 

 is a young and growing college in an area where interest in ocean- 

 ography is high. In fact, X3reliminary plans have just been approved 

 by the trustees for an oceanographic developmental program. The 

 location of SMTI on the outskirts of the fishing port of New Bedford 

 and in close proximity to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 

 makes it an ideal place for oceanography studies. The sea grant col- 

 lege system could provide such an institution the encouragement it 

 needs to develop a substantial and important program. It could not 

 only provide courses for scientists and technicians, but it could also 

 operate lectures and demonstrations for fishermen of the area under 

 the extension service plan. 



I have on my desk at this moment two interesting proposals. One 

 is for a vocational school to train ocean technicians in the Cape Cod 

 area. This proposal, in detailed and well-thought-out form, has been 

 made by a number of marine scientists and other responsible citizens 

 who believe there is a need for such technicians to back up the scien- 

 tific work at Woods Hole and the other laboratories in the area. An- 

 other proposal which is actually going to be a pilot study is for 

 oceanograj^hy teaching in one of the high schools of the area in con- 

 jurction with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 



I mention these various institutions to give you some indication 

 of the extent of interest in this subject. Many diverse groups can 

 contribute to our national oceanographic program as well as gain 

 from it. A national investment in this field will pay off in the short 

 run as well as the long run. The need is there and the people and 

 plans are ready to go. I urge this committee to report favorably on 

 the sea grant college legislation. 



Senator Pell. Thank you. 



I have one specific question to ask you and that is your thought 

 as to whether there should be matching-funds provisions in this bill 

 as puorgested by the executive branch witnesses, or whether there should 

 not be. 



Mr. Keith. Generally speaking, in the past, I have approved match- 

 ing funds for most legislation. I did so in the case of anadromous 



