142 MARINE SCIENCE 



It has been reported that there has been some criticism of that part of the 

 bill which provides for administration of research grants through the Bureau 

 of Commercial Fisheries. This criticism is based on the allegation that that 

 agency does not have the ability to carry out or support basic fisheries research. 

 In my experience vs^ith the Bureau, this is not a valid criticism. I have had close 

 contact with the Bureau, both as a former administrator of a State fish and 

 game agency and more recently as a member of the U.S. Scientific Advisory Com- 

 mittee to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. In both capacities, I have been 

 favorably impressed with the appreciation of the need for basic research on 

 the part of the Bureau and their capacity to conduct such research. There are, 

 to my knowledge, few better examples than the splendid basic research con- 

 ducted through the Bureau which has led to the present methods of experi- 

 mental control of the sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. 



I would wholeheartedly concur in those provisions of the bill which give to 

 the Bureau flexibility in making grants or entering into contracts with agencies 

 such as universities and private research groups who are in the best position 

 to conduct basic research in this area. 



I hope that you will be successful in getting this bill favorably considered by 

 the Congress. 



Sincerely yours, 



Charles A. Dambach, 

 Director, Natural Resources Institute. 



Shipbttildeks Council of America, 



New York, N.Y., April 19, 1960. 

 Hon. Warren G. Magntjson, 



Chairman, Commitee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, 

 Senate Office Building, Washington, B.C. 



Dear Senator Magnuson : It is understood that hearings will be held by the 

 committee of which you are chairman on April 20 and 21 on S. 2692, to be 

 entitled Marine Sciences and Research Act of 1959. 



Early in 19-59, before this bill was introduced, the council sent letters to 

 several legislators including Congressman Miller, chairman of a Special Sub- 

 committee on Oceanography, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, en- 

 dorsing the need for increased oceanographic research and study. 



The council desires to go on record at this time as strongly supporting 

 S. 2692. 



It is noted that section 14 of S. 2692 covers authorizations for appropriations 

 to the Department of the Navy for a 10-year program for a total of 24 ships 

 of varying types as listed in section 14. It is suggested that the Navy be di- 

 rected to have these ships constructed in private shipyards of the United States. 



The incorporation of this letter in the record of the hearing will be greatly 

 appreciated. 



Sincerely yours, 



L. R. Sanpord, President. 



Agriculttxral and Mechanical College oe Texas, 



Department of Oceanography and Meteorology, 



College Station, Tex., March 8, 1960. 

 Hon. Warren G. Magnttson, 

 U.S. Senate, New Senate Office Building, 

 Washington, D.C. 



Sir : I am writing with reference to your proposed bill S. 2692 entitled "Marine 

 Resources and Research Act of 1959." I wish to express my appreciation for 

 the interest that you and your committee members have shown by the hearings 

 and your proposed bill. I am sure that all oceanographers are aware of your 

 sincere efforts. 



There are two specific parts of the bill on which I would like to comment. 



(a) On page 7, lines 5 to 15, the bill directs that a division of marine sciences 

 be set up in the National Science Foundation. It also states that "at least six 

 scientists from the universities and institutions receiving assistance from the 

 foregoing agencies" will be included as members of this board. The inclusion of 

 board members from nongovernmental agencies is quite desirable. My question 



