é15 
ecutive Secretary of the National Academy of Engineering Committee 
on Ocean Engineering. Dr. Keim is sitting on my left. 
Itisa privilege to appear before this committee to express my views 
on the report “Our Nation and the Sea” by the Commission on Marine 
Science, Engineering, and Resources. My interest in our national com- 
mitment arises because of my responsibilities as vice provost of 
Southern Methodist University, and also as chairman of the Panel 
on Education, Research, and Information Dissemination of the Na- 
tional Academy of Engineering Committee on Ocean Engineering. 
In the latter capacity, I am preparing a detailed presentation on 
these three topics, as part of the engineering report of that committee, 
to the academy. In addition, as a member of the Advisory Panel for 
Sea Grant Institutional Support, I am mindful of the opportunities 
for educational and research related to the oceans which Sea Grant 
programs envisions. And as a member of the Naval Research Advisory 
Committee’s Laboratory Advisory Board for Naval Ships, I see the 
effect of mission requirements in shaping policy for support of research 
and education by U.S. Government agencies. 
My presentation is as an individual concerned about the position of 
the United States in regard to its potential exploitation of the seas. 
My remarks do not necessarily reflect the position of Southern Meth- 
odist University, the National Academy of Engineering, the National 
Science Foundation, or the Naval Research Advisory Committee. 
The commission’s report “Our Nation and the Sea” is one of the most 
comprehensive documents ever prepared on the importance of our 
national posture relative to the world ocean. I concur in the national 
marine program recommended in the report as a major contribution to 
national planning, and believe that sufficient national engineering and 
scientific requirements are included in that program to “make it. very 
effective. I support the conclusion that there is a need within the U.S. 
Government for a reorganization in marine affairs. 
The commission recommendation for the establishment of a National 
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) and an associated 
advisory group (NACO) is one possible and useful method for imple- 
menting the Government’s current functions in the marine environ- 
ment, which will, in addition, strengthen its activity in other 
appropri iate marine functions, as well as supplement a national marine 
program. 
In the case of my specific interests, this proposed coordination of 
Government activity seems to be a very effective way in which to sup- 
plement a national effort to improve long- -range engineering develop- 
ment and our fundamental technology in the ocean, and to assess and 
maintain the Nation’s research and manpower needs for support of a 
national marine commitment. 
More specifically, it seems to me that the following major recom- 
mendations of the commission outline a framework of national goals 
required for effective monitoring, controlling, and utilizing of the 
ocean : 
(1) To establish increased understanding of the oceans as a 
ui ies goal (page 23) ; 
(2) "To establish univ ersity-national laboratories (page 27) ; 
(5) To undertake a comprehensive fundamental technology 
program (page 27) ; 
26-563—70—pt. 2 
