SEA GRANT COLLEGES 257 



The goal of the exploration and experimentation carried on by the 

 sea grant colleges -would eventually be the construction of a comj)letely 

 self-sufficient submarine city, able to supply its own food, shelter, 

 power, and transportation. At this time, when overpopulation is a 

 worldwide concern, the benefits of such a situation would be countless. 



However, it must be nnderstood that to achieve these aims requires a 

 well-based knowledge of the mechanics of submarine soil, the calculated 

 extent to which miderwater pressures must be accounted for, means of 

 soil fertilization and upkeep, the possibility of wave movement as a 

 source of power and many other important factors. 



It is my belief that the institution of sea grant colleges and pro- 

 grams would create an adequate and successful system for the start of 

 submarine exploration. 



Mr. Speaker, I cannot urge this committee too much to look favor- 

 ably upon this legislation. Experts in oceanography and hydrospace 

 have ascertained that the time is now for the U.S. Government to begin 

 educating our young engineers in this field. The years ahead are 

 important, and our country may find that in the near future complete 

 knowledge of the ocean floor will be a requirement, not a mere cui losity. 



Senator Pell. Thank you for your fine testimony. 



Our next witness is Congressmen Reinecke, of California. You 

 may proceed. Congressman. 



STATEMENT OE HON. ED EEINECKE, A EEPRESENTATIVE IN CON- 

 GRESS PROM THE STATE OE CALIEORNIA 



Mr. Eeinecke. Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to ex- 

 press my support for the sea grant college bill, S. 2439, now under 

 consideration by this special subcommittee. As a member of the 

 House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, and to its Sub- 

 committee on Oceanography, I am very much aware of the impor- 

 tance of the sea around us, and of the need for creative thinking about 

 ways to more fully use this great natural resource for the benefit of this 

 Nation, and of all mankind. 



As an engineer myself, I am always most concerned with the prob- 

 lems of practical applications of new knowledge and new discoveries. 

 The land-grant college concept was a creative way to bring to a grow- 

 ing nation the facilities for practical education. It was a means of 

 bringing knowledge to tlie men who were building our country. And 

 this concept placed the power of the people through their National 

 Government squarely behind the idea of promoting practical educa- 

 tion, as well as productive research, at the local and commimity level. 



The U.S. Government operates oceanographic programs from 18 or 

 20 Federal agencies. And many universities, laboratories, and in- 

 dustries supplement these with research efforts of their own. But, it 

 seems to me, that there is still a need for the application of our new 

 knowledge of the sea. There still is a need for exploring the com- 

 mercial, engineering, medical, legal, mineral, biological, and food- 

 producing aspects of the ocean. There is a need for further study in 

 the matters of harbor engineering and construction. There is a need 

 for us to realize that the sea around us, which constitutes almost 71 

 percent of our world's surface, may hold as much potential, and as 

 many rich surprises, as does outer space. 



