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receivers that most of the identification work should be concentrated. 



5. Existing similar data systems should be used reciprocally and 

 cooperatively to store and retrieve various data types. These systems 

 include the Inventory, STORET, USGS Hydrologic, and NODC. The 

 compatibility of system concept and structure of these four systems is 

 such that they can function as complementary segments of a single 

 large storage and retrieval system. 



In data gathering, for example, each organization searches pri- 

 marily for the type of data which its "software" (that is, programs — 

 the machines themselves are "hardware") will accept. It is inevitable 

 that the searches will encounter information which can be stored in 

 a sister system more efficiently ; thus, a considerable amount of dupli- 

 cation can be saved. 



6. Concurrently with data gathering, processing, and servicing, 

 there must be a constant background of analytical data information 

 investigation to identify special needs and conditions, and to explore 

 new possibilities and applications, both directly and by contract. 



APPLIED RESEARCH 



A program of research and study to advance the state of knowledge 

 in estuarine management is presented in chapter 3. It is important 

 to recognize, however, that the research program, the routine moni- 

 toring program, and the information service program are all integral 

 parts of the overall effort intended to provide management with the 

 ability to preserve, use, and develop the national estuarine system of 

 the United States. 



SUMMARY 



The object of building and maintaining the National Estuarine In- 

 ventory is to aid in the application of existing knowledge to maiintain 

 environmental stability in the coastal lands and waters of the United 

 States. The program of data and information collection and handling 

 set out in this chapter is devised to be able to supply current and 

 accurate information to the institutional and technical manager, to 

 the scientist and student, and to the institutions and agencies who help 

 in the fight to preserve and maintain our environment. The prerequi- 

 sites are a central facility, the men and machines to perform the 

 labor, and constant application of a vigorous and aggressive public 

 service policy. 



