NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHIC PROGRAM LEGISLATION 609 



National Fisheries Institute, Inc., 



Washington, D.C., August Ji, 1965. 

 Hon. Herbert C. Bonner, 



Chairman, Hon fie Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 

 Washington, B.C. 



Dear Mr. Chairman : The National Fisheries Institute, having a deep and 

 •ibiding interest in oceanographic research and operations, would like to add 

 its word to those of others supporting the establishment of a responsible 

 organization. 



The commercial fishennen of the United States feel oceanography may be the 

 answer to future fish catches and the utilization of the fisheries bordering the 

 United States. 



In view of the fact that there are between 18 and 22 agencies, bureaus, depart- 

 ments, commissions, etc., presently concerned with this highly technical subject, 

 and because there is no central control, the National Fisheries Institute is ex- 

 tremely interested in the establishment of a central body to plan for, direct, con- 

 trol, and evaluate the activities in this field. This body should report to the 

 President of the United States and the Congress of the United States. It should 

 be charged with determining what must be done in this field, who shall do it, 

 how it shall be done, how duplication can be avoided, and how the results can 

 be evaluated and put to the greatest good. 



The myriad of bills introduced makes it difficult to support any one indi- 

 vidual bill ; therefore, we suggest that the members of the committee in their 

 wisdom select what appears to them to be the most productive piece of legislation 

 introduced, and shepherd it to passage. 



If it please the chairman, we would like to request that this letter be made a 

 part of the permanent record. 

 Sincerely yours, 



F. P. Longewat, Executive Director. 



Mission Bay Research Foundation of San Diego. 



Newport Beach, Calif., August 12, 1965. 

 Hon. Alton Lennon, 



Chairman, Subcommittee on Oceanography, Longworth House Office Building, 

 Washington, B.C. 



Dear Congressman : It was with deep regret that I found it impossible to 

 accept Mr. Drewry's invitation to appear personally and present my views to 

 your committee during the hearings. 



Here is a brief statement of my personal recommendations arrived at after 

 2 years of intensive study of our national posture. I represent a private founda- 

 tion that is currently indexing all of the literature from some 45 countries for 

 the benefit of our subscribers. 



It is obvious from an overview of the international situation that currently our 

 Nation is experiencing an "unrecognized national emergency" related to the field 

 of marine sciences. Our leadership at the executive level has failed to exert 

 the same interest in our problems of national security as in other matters of lesser 

 import. 



In spite of our fragmented effort we do have under way many, many vital 

 and effective programs, originated, directed, and being executed by brilliant and 

 dedicated men in government, education, and industry. No legislation should 

 be enacted that will interfere with these. If legislate we must, then I favor 

 first the objectives and plan espoused by the recently enacted S. 944. This will. 

 if proiperly administered, result in a marine department at some future but 

 practical date. 



The greatest single effect of the National Oceanographic Council would be to 

 help focus public attention upon marine problems. 



In closing, I strongly recommend that your present subcommittee be elevated 

 to full committee status. Marine sciences and all of its activities are entitled 

 to have such representation. 



Your subcommittee is to be commended for the fine work accomplished to this 

 date, and full stature would add to its effectiveness. 



Respectfully submitted. 



T. R. Gillenwatees. 



