MARINE SCIENCE 161 



Department op the Navt, 



Office of the Secretary, 

 Office op Legislative Affairs, 

 Wushimjton, D.O., April 19, 1960. 

 Hon. Warren G. Magnuson, 



Chairman, Committee on Interstate and Fweign Commerce, 

 U.S. Senate, Washinyton, D.C. 



My Dear Mr. Chairman : Your request for comments on S. 2092, a bill to 

 advance the marine sciences, to establish a comprehensive 10-year pi'ogram of 

 oceanographic research and surveys ; to promote commerce and navigation, to 

 secure the national defense; to expand ocean resources; to authorize the con- 

 struction of research and survey ships and facilities ; to assure systematic 

 studies of effects of radioactive materials in marine environments ; to enhance 

 the general welfare ; and for other purposes, has been assigned to this Depart- 

 ment by the Secretary of Defense for the preparation of a report thereon ex- 

 pressing the views of the Department of Defense. 



The purpose of S. 2092 is as stated in the title. 



While the Department of Defense concurs in the objectives of this bill, it 

 does not consider enactment of S. 2092 necessary to achieve these objectives. 

 In general the agencies of the Department already have adequate legislative 

 authority to continue and expand research in the marine sciences. In this 

 connection it should be noted that the expenditures of the Navy for oceanography 

 are expected to increase from $17 million in 1900 to $23 million in 1901. For the 

 Government as a whole expenditures will increase from $38 million in 1900 to $50 

 million in 1901. 



If, however, favorable consideration is given to S. 2092 the Department of 

 Defense would have the following suggestions to offer regarding the provisions 

 of such proposed enactment : 



Sections 2 and 3 of the bill propose to establish a Division of Marine Sciences 

 in the National Science Foundation in which there is an interagency com- 

 mittee ostensibly to develop and encourage the continuing national policy and 

 program for the promotion of oceanography. The establishment of such a 

 division should be based on the needs and desires of the Foundation. It does 

 not seem appropriate however to extend the National Science Foundation's 

 authority into applied research activities the establishment of which the pro- 

 posed division might authorize. The National Science Foundation should con- 

 tinue to support basic research and programs to strengthen scientific research 

 potential in all of the sciences including specialized fields such as oceanography 

 which may from time to time require particular emphasis. 



The Subcommittee on Oceanography of the Federal Council for Science and 

 Technology has proposed that under the Federal Council a permanent inter- 

 agency committee be established to exercise program control and coordination 

 of the national oceanography program. The subcommittee as a precedent for 

 this form of management has demonstrated its effectiveness in the months of 

 its existence. 



Section 7 of the bill provides for the establishment within the Department of 

 Commerce of a National Oceanographic Records Center. The Subcommittee 

 on Oceanography has recommended and it is generally accepted in the scientific 

 community as being more appropriate that the National Oceanographic Data 

 Center be established at the Hydrographic Office with joint policy guidance 

 and financial support to be provided by the Navy, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, 

 the Bureau of Commercial l"lsheries, the National Science Foundation, and the 

 Atomic Energy Commission. This permits the utilization of existing facilities, 

 equipment, and personnel. The expansion of the present physical plant can be 

 more rapidly accomplished and at considerably less expense than the establish- 

 ment of a second installation. 



It is recommended that provision be made for such joint iX)licy guidance 

 and financial support as is necessary to insure that all of the Federal require- 

 ments are fulfilled. This can be accomplished by revision of section to provide 

 for participation and financial support of a National Oceanographic Records 

 Center by the Bui-eau of Commercial Fisheries and revision of sections 8(a) 

 and 8(b) to provide for similar support and participation by the Coast and 

 Geodetic Survey. 



The Navy's research program TENOC for 10 years in oceanography is recog- 

 nized as the cornerstone of the national program. TENOC is now being revised 

 to include all phases of oceanography such as research, development, surveys, 



