115 



In the course of this study, liaison will be conducted with potential 

 users in order to match alternate concepts with broad areas of applica- 

 tion. The final objective of this initial effort, once the parametric, con- 

 ceptual design and cost-effectiveness studies are completed, is to define 

 and assess the technological advancements required to develop the 

 various power systems that offer greatest promise and to determine 

 the resources and time required to pursue this development. 



There is little question that the development of an engineering capa- 

 bility in this high-power area will require the commitment of extensive 

 funding on the part of the AEC. For this reason, it is considered 

 mandatory that a veiy careful assessment be made at some time prior 

 to commitment of these resources. 



Specific accomplishments cannot yet be cited for nuclear reactors 

 in oceanographic applications since this program is in its infancy. How- 

 ever, the AEC has provided compact nuclear reactors power sources 

 for a variety of specialized land-based applications several of which 

 can be expected to furnish valuable technology to the ocean engineer- 

 ing program. 



The AEC's current plans to develop the technology for oceano- 

 graphic nuclear reactors are presently being formulated. Paper studies 

 are being conducted to assess the capabilities of appropriate reactors 

 plants and will be followed by careful economic assessment. 



As I mentioned at the outset, we think all of AEC's marine programs 

 contribute to attainment of the Marine Council's goals. Although ours 

 is a modest program, we think it is an imj)ortant one not only toward 

 solving problems with radioactivity of primary concern to AEC, but 

 also in its multidisciplinary approach to understandmg the real en- 

 vironment. Our contributions in advanced technology stand on their 

 own merits. 



We are cooperating with the Marine Council in every way possible. 

 AEC Chairman Seaborg, as a member, has participated in the meet- 

 ings of the Council. AEC has partially funded the Marine Council's 

 data management study and has provided manpower to assist in con- 

 tractor selection and review of work under that contract. 



Previously, we likewise supported the interagency buoy study. AEC 

 lias nominated personnel to serve on five of the Marine Council's com- 

 mittees and panels which were established to review and discuss 

 agency programs related to oceanography. These committees, for the 

 most part, are only getting started this month. We also have arranged 

 to review our marine programs with the National Marine Commission. 



On the whole, we think the Council is doing a remarkably thorough 

 job in stirring things up, in arousing national and international inter- 

 est in marine developments, in identifying gaps in the total Federal 

 program and in effecting interagency contacts on program areas. 



Mr. Chairman, that concludes my statement, 



Mr. Lennon. Thank you very much, Mr. Joseph. I quite agree 

 'udth you that the Council is stirring things up. 



I was pleased to note from the minutes of the National Council, 

 ivhich convened first on August 17, 1966, that the Chairman of the 

 Atomic Energy Commission attended practically every meeting and 

 had his representatives there with him. 



We appreciate your interest in the ultimate relationship of your 

 agency with the vast number of other marine technological and scien- 

 tific agencies. 



