MARINE SCIENCE 165 
searches can be carried on by local people and visitors from all nations. There 
are magnificent coral reefs and rich mangrove-fringed bays in the shallow wa- 
ters of Puerto Rico. We have proposed to Governor Mufioz-Marin and our 
National Park Service that selected areas should be organized into a tropical 
marine park for the purpose of conserving the scientific resources and natural 
beauty of the maritime region. A carbon copy of the proposed marine science 
project is enclosed. 
May I point out something related to our present thinking, that may trans- 
cend in importance the role of marine science in the future welfare of mankind. 
The oceanic isle of Puerto Rico is the world’s showcase for democracy. Per- 
haps one of the best pieces on display could be a fine group of marine scientists 
working together in an atmosphere of freedom in Puerto Rico that still belongs 
to the Western World. 
I shall be pleased to do anything further to assist you in your efforts for 
science and human welfare. 
Sincerely yours, 
PauL R. BURKHOLDER, 
Director of Research. 
STATEMENT BY Dr. PAuL R. BURKHOLDER, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, KITCHAWAN 
RESEARCH LABORATORY OF THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN, OSSINING, N.Y. 
The potentialities of expanded research in marine biology for applications in 
medicine and pharmacology are very promising. Our current investigations 
indicate the occurrence of antibiotic properties in the marine plankton of differ- 
ent geographic areas, as well as in many seaweeds and corals, and among 
numerous bacteria of ocean sediments. Many other investigators have re- 
ported various poisons, physiologically active agents, and rare chemicals in 
plants and animals of the sea. The real significance of marine biology to man- 
kind in the future will only become known through fundamental studies with 
all kinds of sea life, their kinds, their functions, and their products. It is be- 
lieved that S. 901 will provide the means for training technical personnel and 
carrying on effective researches in marine biology and in other phases of ocean- 
ology that will be important in the future. 
STATEMENT BY Dr. Date F. LEIPPER, HEAD DEPARTMENT OF OCEANOGRAPHY AND 
MerErEoROLOGY, AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS, COLLEGE 
Station, TEx. 
Marcu 23, 1961. 
Hon. WARREN G. MAGNUSON, 
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, 
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 
My Dear Mr. Magnuson: Thank you for the invitation to comment upon your 
Marine Sciences and Research Act of 1961. I have just reread it and I was 
again amazed at the thoroughness with which you have laid out a plan of 
action. 
The bill as it now stands is a considerable improvement over that of last year, 
in my opinion. You have pulled together many straggling programs and fitted 
them into a clear pattern. 
You may recall that I wrote you last year under date of January 6, 1960, 
concerning the matter of international data exchange through the world data 
centers established for the IGY. World Data Center A is here at Texas A. & M. 
College. This center has growing international recognition as indicated for 
example in a resolution from the January 24, 1961 meeting of the International 
Geophysics Committee. There appears to be a strong continuing need for a 
university based, nongovernmental, nonmilitary data center in oceanography. 
The United States should not lose the advantage which it now has in having 
one of the two such centers established under successful international agree- 
ments. I assume the wording of your bill would permit the continued support 
of this center so that no modifications are needed. 
I have no additional comments upon the bill. Regardless of its fate in 
Congress it has already done a remarkable amount of good for the marine 
sciences in the United States by bringing so much attention to them. In an 
intelligent way it has demonstrated the true role of these sciences in the future 
of our country. We express our most sincere appreciation to you for this. 
