24 MARINE SCIENCE 



race — all these should be well on their way to accomplishment during 

 the coming decade, if we start soon and carry through. 



Other witnesses, experts in their fields, will supply your committee 

 with detailed justification for our recommendations. I can only add 

 that they were carefully worked out after long and fruitful discus- 

 sion, with the aid of most competent people who gave freely of their 

 time and knowledge. 



They cannot be regarded as final or complete. Doubtless your com- 

 mittee, during these hearings, will note changes which should be made. 



We are aiming at a fast-moving target. Even since the first of this 

 year, 1960, man has descended to the ultimate depth of the ocean and 

 has reported on his trip. 



I had an uncle some years ago who went down and didn't come back. 

 He never reported on his trip. He got drowned off Haiti. 



In the last few weeks a satellite has gone into orbit which will lead 

 to a breakthrough in weather observation and precise marine navi- 

 gation. 



What has not changed is the need for immediate, well-coordinated 

 large-scale exploration of the ocean and its relation to the well-being 

 of mankind. 



For this purpose it does seem to me S. 2692 is well adapted. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



The Chairman. Are there any questions, Senator Thurmond ? 



Senator Thurmond. No questions. 



The Chairman. Senator Yarborough ? 



Senator Yarborough. No questions. 



The Chairman. Mr. Engle ? 



Senator Engle. No questions. 



The Chairman. Have you any information on the problem of 

 dumping atomic wastes from your experience on the Atomic Energy 

 Commission ? 



Mr. Pike. Yes, I feel, and Dr. Spilhaus does, that we ought to know 

 what we are doing before we dump any amount of these wastes in 

 the ocean. Once it is done, it is irreversible. It is like capital punish- 

 ment. Wlien you change your mind, you can't get it back. 



We ought to be very clear that if radioactive wastes are to be 

 dumped in the ocean, they should be dumped in such places, at such 

 times, and in such quantities only that we can prove to be completely 

 harmless to the human race and indeed to other forms of life because 

 after all, the human race depends upon other forms of life for its 

 own existence. 



Senator Thurmond. Isn't that especially true in view of the fact 

 that it has been predicted by 1980 we will have to be using ocean water 

 for our citizens ? 



Mr. Pike. I do believe, Senator, that this adds to the problem. We 

 must be absolutely sure that we are not doing any sort of harm. 



Senator Thurmond, Today progress is being made and will be made 

 in removing salt from the ocean water, and ocean water will be able 

 to be used. I think it now costs $1 a thousand gallons whereas it is 

 30 cents for the nonnal water. However, later on they will probably 

 be able to reduce that cost of removing the salt. 



