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to deal effectively, either in the provision of services or with the out- 
standing unsolved scientific problems except by consideration of many 
aspects of the total physical environment. Ocean and atmosphere are 
bnt different phases of the earth’s fluid envelope and their interactions 
with the solid earth are in many cases critical. 
It is well recognized that the hurricane is a creature of the oceans 
and the movement of ocean waters is a response to the winds of the 
atmosphere. The meteorologist needs ocean observations to predict the 
weather and the oceanographer needs weather observations to predict 
the state of the oceans. 
The technology for acquiring and processing such data is expensive 
and has large elements of commonality. 
ESSA is the only civil organization in Government that has the 
breadth of capabilities and authorities to cope with most of the prob- 
lems of description and prediction of the marine environment. Our 
major functions include the mapping and charting of the bathymetry 
and geophysics of the ocean floor; the description and prediction of 
water masses and currents; the observation and prediction of the 
weather, wherever it is—at sea and on land; the operation of real time 
global warning systems for the hazards of nature; and the acquisition, 
storage, archival, and dissemination of geophysical data. 
We also conduct extensive programs of research and development 
to improve our services and achieve a basic understanding of environ- 
mental processes. The systems we operate are global in character. Our 
satellite observing system, our survey and research operations, and our 
weather, seismic, “and tidal stations are worldwide in character, and 
in many cases they are integral parts of international systems linked 
to similar systems operated by other nations. 
Our charge is to provide environmental data and services to serve 
our national interests whatever they may be—defense, agriculture, in- 
dustry and transportation, and wherever they may be—on land and 
sea and in the atmosphere. 
We agree with the Commission that the touchstone of our marine 
future lies in the development of our national] scientific and techno- 
logical capabilities. We believe it is essential that a national commit- 
ment for the advancement of understanding of the planetary oceans 
be made a major goal of our national ocean program. 
We also believe that our Nation’s technological capabilities must be 
advanced in parallel. 
We recognize, of course, that marine science and technology is but 
one of a number of national problem areas and that is must compete 
with other pressing demands for the commitment of additional Federal 
resoures. 
The Commission has proposed mechanisms for achieving greater 
capabilities—through our academic institutions via university national 
laboratories and coastal zone laboratories; through industry via the 
establishment of national projects; and through Federal laboratories, 
which the Commission correctly points “out need substantial 
strengthening. 
My organization and the Department of @alinette would expect to 
play an important role in such an endeavor, and we look forward to 
the challenge with excitement. 
The Commission has raised fundamental questions about the man- 
