NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM LEGISLATION 383 



Mr. Cl^mtdi-Magnussen. Gentlemen, I am here rej^resenting the 

 chamber of commerce as chairman of its oceanographic develojiment 

 •committee, 



I would like to add my appreciation for this opportunity of bringing 

 to you some recommendations wliich we hope will guide you in your 

 vei-y important work in surveying our national oceanographic program. 



With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I would like to proceed to read 

 these five points for the record. 



Mr. Caset. Proceed. 



Mr. Claudi-Magnussen. 1. The ocean sciences are undergoing a 

 significant change from what many have known as oceanography 

 toward full utilization of the vast resources in and under the oceans. 

 The change is accompanied by increased emphasis on and capability 

 in ocean engineering designed to develop, occupy, and use these re- 

 sources. Any legislation adopted should recognize this fact and 

 should lead to maximum development of our national capabilities for 

 ocean utilization in the scientific, engineering, industrial, and govern- 

 mental fields. 



2. It would appear that the strategic military power on the seas be- 

 tween the free world and the Sino-Soviet bloc has reached the point 

 where neither side has a clear-cut advantage. Under the circum- 

 stances, control of the ocean resources may well become a decisive 

 factor. Adequate legislation should therefore make provision for 

 U.S. occupation, use, and development of strategic ocean resources 

 and for an expanded role for the U.S. Navy in providing support for 

 such activities. 



3. At present, the national oceanographic activities are divided 

 among a large number of bureaus and agencies, with each assigned a 

 relatively minor proportion of responsibility and limited funds. A 

 project which would require financial support of a magnitude exceed- 

 ing the capability of any of these bureaus or agencies, or which 

 would require participation by more than one of them would cur- 

 rently present great difficulties in funding, coordination, and manage- 

 ment and would seriously impair national developments in this vital 

 field. Legislation should be designed to correct this situation. 



4. An appropriate organization should be established within the 

 executive branch of the Federal Government with advisory and op- 

 erational responsibility, also with the capacity to financially support 

 national oceanographic programs and to coordinate and assist in im- 

 plementing through existing agencies and bureaus an adequate and 

 balanced national program of oceanography. 



5. The membership of such an organization should be composed of 

 representatives of Government, business and industry, and the aca- 

 demic community. 



This completes my prepared statement. I shall be happy to attempt 

 to answer questions and provide clarification on any point. 



Mr. Oaset. Thank you, gentlemen, for a very interesting presen- 

 tation. 



I want to compliment you on your originality shown in this folder. 

 It is very informative and I think this gives a very graphic display 

 of what San Diego is doing. I wish my city could show this same 

 progress. 



Mr. Downing? 



