228 



Dr. Galler. The problems concerned with procedures and standard- 

 ization of data collected during oceanic explorations are normally and 

 necessarily difficult. The Smithsonian Institution is participating in 

 national and international committees to move toward standardization. 

 With less than 10 percent of the ocean explored however, we still are 

 not able to make good recommendations in selecting techniques to 

 standardize. Using the existing nets, trawls, traps, snag lines, et cetera, 

 we may catch some or none of a species of organisms which appear in 

 large numbers in the stomach of birds, fishes, whales, and seals feeding 

 in the collection area. We clearly have yet to invent a device which will 

 sample the ocean adequately. 



After that happens we will want to standardize it. Now we are 

 equally interested in taking advantage of inventive genius in standard- 

 izing useful data handling devices. 



In direct response to your question then, we are moving with vigor 

 to assist in standardizing and comparing the existing methods of data 

 storage and retrieval, and at the same time we are giving all possible 

 encouragement to the conceptualization and design of new techniques 

 for gathering data. 



Mr. Keith. Thank you. Dr. Galler. 



No more questions, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Rogers. Counsel, doyou have any questions? 



Mr. Drewry. Yes, Mr. Chairman. 



What is the present status of the North Pacific Ships of Oppor- 

 tunity program ? 



Dr. Galler. Mr. Counsel, may I refer this to Dr. Aron ? 



Dr. Aron. Just 3 days ago we received information from Dr. Bates, 

 of the Navy, indicating that — yes, indeed, the Navy felt our work 

 was technically very meritorious. However, in view of their present 

 budget commitment, it was impossible to provide fiscal support. As a 

 result, our enthusiasm and our interest in the program continues very 

 strongly, but we are unable to perform in the coming year due to lack 

 of funds. We would hope in future years we will be able to perform, 

 but it depends, really, primarily upon adequate fiscal support. The 

 manpower is available to us. The interest is available to us. 



Mr. Drewry. It must be deferred for the time being. 



Dr. Aroist. It must be deferred. 



Mr. Drewry. Perhaps for the benefit of the record you could submit 

 a brief statement outlining the project that you had in mind. 



Dr. Aron. We would be very happy to do this. 



Mr. Drewry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



(The material follows:) 



Department of the Navy, 

 Office of Naval Research, 

 Washington, D.C., September 8, 1961. 

 Mr. James Bradley, 



Acting Secretary, Smithsonian Bistitution, 

 Washington, D.C. 



Dear Sib : Your proposal entitled "Productivity of the North Pacific," dated 

 15 May 1967, originally made to the Oceanographer of the Navy has been for- 

 warded to this Office for action. 



We have reviewed your proposal and concur in the technical desirability of 

 the work proposed therein. However, in view of our assessment of the relative 



