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Current plans for the investigation of the feasibility of and the most suitable 

 site for a sea level canal between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans are pro- 

 ceeding in a way which suggests that a new canal may be opened before the 

 turn of the century. Under Public Law 88-609 the President appointed the 

 Atlantic-Pacific Interoceanic Canal Study Commission and charged them with 

 the responsibility to make a full and complete investigation and study of this 

 possible seaway. For the Canal Commission the Nevada Operations Office of the 

 Atomic Energy Commission contracted with the Battelle Memorial Institute to 

 manage bioenvironmental studies designed to determine the radiological-safety 

 feasibility of using nuclear explosives to excavate the canal. Battelle's manage- 

 ment responsibilities included the acquiring, evaluating, and interpreting of data 

 needed "to predict the potential exposure of man and other important species 

 to external and/or internal radiation." Originally charged with completing its 

 studies by June 30, 1968, the Commission has requested additional funds to 

 continue the authorized feasibility, site selection, and construction method studies 

 through December 31, 1970. 



The probable radiation effects, if nuclear cratering techniques are employed, 

 would be expected to be small and short-lived by comparison to the effect of 

 a totally marine connection between the two oceans. The excellent studies now 

 underway by the Battelle Memorial Institute should provide information relative 

 to nuclear radiation. The importance of the Smithsonian studies is entirely 

 independent of the means of canal construction. 



It is proposed that the Smithsonian assure the development of an adequate 

 program to permit the fullest possible understanding of : (1) the implications of 

 new canal construction for the distribution and maintenance of marine life, (2) 

 the extent of movement through the existing canal, and (2) the necessary back- 

 ground to evaluate any oceanographic changes which might occur after a sea level 

 connection is made. 



Extrapolating from the observed morphological diversity we can expect that, 

 after the sea level canal is completed and the barrier to dispersal is removed, a 

 wide range of changes may occur. The influx of new organisms would be expected 

 to upset the balance of some populations. New interactions among species would 

 change the nature of the selection to which the organisms are subjected. Instances 

 of hybridization and intergradation can be predicted among those related groups 

 from opposite sides of the Isthmus which have not accumulated sufficient genetic 

 or behavioral isolating mechanisms. In some circumstances competition between 

 newly mixed elements of the biota may cause rapid changes in population densi- 

 ties. Some species probably will become more abundant, while others may become 

 extant. New species interrelationships will occur. The possible effect on harvest- 

 able marine species is uncertain. 



An innate complexity exists in biological systems in the tropics resulting from 

 three distinctive features: (1) tropical biota includes larger numbers and a 

 greater diversity of species than the biotas of any other regions of the world ; 

 (2) the ecological and behavioral relations between species are more complex in 

 the tropics than elsewhere; and (3) the tropics are believed to be the place of 

 origin, and principal center of evolution, of most groups of organisms. New and 

 major types of adaptation to "new ways of life" appear to be more likely to be 

 evolved by tropical species than by species of other regions. Tropical species also 

 seem to be more successful in invading other regions than are species of other 

 regions in invading the tropics. 



As clearly established during the Smithsonian Conference on Tropical Biology 

 held in Panama City, November 10-12. 1966, our knowledge of tropical biology 

 lags far behind parallel information in the temperate regions. Accumulation 

 of these data for tropical regions is essential for the development of rational pro- 

 grams to harvest the sea and best utilize its resources. The major areas of protein 

 deficiency for human populations are in the tropics. Detailed knowledge of the 

 potential fisheries resources is but one of the side benefits to be anticipated from 

 the proposed Isthmian program. 



PLAN OF RESEARCH 



An evaluation of the resources in the area depends on a reasonably complete 

 biological survey. The Institution will utilize its existing shore facilities in the 

 area and construct others to maintain adequate local support. As necessary, it 

 will assist in the operation of ships. Scientists from the Smithsonian and from 



