SEA GRANT COLLEGES 255 



as a troubled world is confronted with the population explosion, it 

 holds the promise of a significant increase in the world's food supply. 

 It is here tliat man can gain almost limitless resources to feed future 

 generations. 



Although TO percent of the earth is covered by ocean— extending 

 itself over 139,400,000 square miles — only a small fraction of our 

 food and other needs are gained from it. 



The sea dominates our world. It regulates the weather. It is the 

 ultimate source of all our water. It provides a habitat for plants and 

 animals far greater in area and volume than the life zone of the land. 

 It is believed to have been the birthplace of all terrestrial life. And 

 yet, in spite of all this, we have scarcely begun to learn about our ocean. 



It seems to me that anything that we, who are privileged to serve 

 our Nation as legislators, can do to foster the development of marine 

 sciences and associated fields should be done as expeditiously as possible 

 and with a deep feeling of gratitude for having played a role in such 

 significant work. 



Let us for the moment confine ourselves to viewing the fishing indus- 

 try. The worldwide demand for fish is growing rapidly. In 1962, 

 about 33 million metric tons, live weight, of fish were caught for food 

 use. By 1970, the demand may be between 40 and 45 million tons. In 

 addition to this, large quantities of fish are caught for reduction pur- 

 poses — for example, to be used as feed for farm animals. This also 

 has been growing at an extremely rapid rate. In 1958, the catch of 

 fish for reduction was about 4.3 million metric tons. In only 4 years, 

 this amount had almost tripled, reaching a total of 11.9 million tons. 

 By 1970, it is estimated that the demand for fisli for reduction purposes 

 will be between 17 and '21 million tons. Thus, the total world demand 

 for fish for all purposes may be between 52 and 72 million tons in 1970. 



Up to 1957, the United States ranked second among nations in total 

 world catch. By 1960, we dropped to fifth place while Peru, increasing 

 its output 140 times since 1948, now has become the world's leader. 

 The Russians, realizing the potential and their own needs, have been 

 increasing their catch at a rate of 6 percent per year and now the only 

 first-rate oceanographic fleet in the world. 



The time has come for the United States to realize the importance 

 of the fishing industry, but above this, we must reach out as far as 

 possible to all the marine sciences for the oceans are not a mere hunting 

 ground for fishermen or a highway for our ships. 



Before exploitation can begin, basic knowledge must be gained and 

 herein lies the task of sea grant colleges who, workins: in conjunction 

 with marine industries, can provide us with vital and timel}^ knowledge 

 that will help us to relieve world problems and enable us to realize 

 a better economy. Before we can farm the seas or mine the ocean 

 floor we must equip ourselves with the tools of knowledge; tools which 

 can be provided through sea grant colleges working in conjunction 

 with the marine industries. We have only to look to the land-grant 

 colleges in their joint efi'orts with the farm industries to realize the 

 significant results to be gained through such a program — results that 

 have proven beneficial to all America. 



A program that can provide greater economic opportunities includ- 

 ing expanded employment and trade; new sources of food; new means 

 for the utilization of water; exploitation of mineral deposits — these 



62-90tJ — GG IS 



