128 MARINE SCIENCE 



mensurate with research problems being carried out in these coastal and eistuarine 

 areas ; 



(5) SuflScient support should be given to those existing organizations plan- 

 ning new or additional shore installations so that the various aspects of ocean- 

 ography, including the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of both the off- 

 shore and inshore areas can be incorporated in the plans prior to construction ; 



(6) The allotments of money for basic research in the various phases of 

 oceanography are too small and it is recommended that the National Science 

 Foundation be authorized to appropriate $100 million (not to exceed $20 million 

 in any one year) for basic research in the various phases of oceanography, in- 

 cluding biology, chemistry, geology, and physics, exclusive of construction and 

 operational costs for vessels and shore facilites, and it is further recommended 

 that in such authorization due consideration be given to biological oceanography 

 because of the complexities and interdependence of ecological and physiological 

 systems, and it is further recommended that research grants must be obtained 

 on the scientific merit of the proposed programs ; 



(7) In keeping with the need for increased basic research, funds should be 

 increased to $400,000 per annum or a larger proportion specified for fellowships, 

 grants, etc., for the encouragement and development of istudents desiring to be- 

 come oceanographers and definite proportions of these funds should be set up 

 for the various aspects of oceanography ; 



(8) There is insuflBcient emphasis on studies to determine the effects of atomic 

 radiations on the genetics and somatic characteristics of marine organisms, and 

 therefore it is recommended that the expenditures by the Atomic Energy Com- 

 mission be increased to $1 million per annum to study the normal genetics of 

 marine organisms and to determine the genetic and somatic effects of atomic 

 radiation on these marine organisms ; 



(9) The areas and problems involved are so complex and the absolute necessity 

 for an adequate understanding is so great that it is strongly urged that adequate 

 authorizing legislation be framed and passed at once ; and 



(10) Since the scientific work recommended by the Committee on Ocean- 

 ography, the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society and other parties concerned is 

 necessary and urgent it is recommended that adequate funds and the necessary 

 executive authorization be provided to implement the authorizing legislation 

 involved. 



December 15, 1969. 



Department op Research and Education, 



Solomons, Md., May 9, 1960. 

 Hon. Warren G. Magnuson, 



Chairman, Committee on Interstate and. Foreign Commerce, 

 U.S. Senate, Washington D.C. 



Dear Senator Magnuson : Your deep interest in wise development of our 

 marine resources and in adequate supporting research is shown by your spon- 

 sorship of Senate bill 2692 for the advancement of the marine sciences. The 

 marine environment must be comprehended for the future benefit of this nation 

 and others. Since it is an enormous and complex portion of the earth, investi- 

 gation must be broadly based and effectively sustained. These concepts are 

 included in your bill, and merit adoption and facilitation. 



We have received copies of some of the letters sent to you and other members 

 of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. They contain con- 

 structive suggestions and reflect the wide interest which exists. It seems to 

 me, however, that the wish of the writers to suggest and discuss possible modi- 

 fications may sometimes have masked their strong basic support of the purposes 

 of the bill. As far as I can judge, every group interested in sound conservation 

 and intelligent use of the seas wishes to have positive action taken. 



