1218 
a consolidated viewpoint. Hence, our ultimate effectiveness, it is hoped, is 
greater than the summation of parts; that is, it is strengthened when a con- 
Sensus can be established which draws upon our diverse industrial representa- 
tion. OSTAC also has interaction with the Federal Government, States and 
‘universities. Therefore, we have a great appreciation for the value of a National 
advisory committee in helping to guide a National ocean program and strongly 
support its formation. 
A National ocean agency 
Although OSTAC did consider at some length the need for a statutorily recog- 
nized advisory committee in its study submitted to Dr. Robert Frosch and to the 
Commission, it did not at that time, in February, 1968, make specific recommenda- 
tions concerning Federal agency reorganization except to say that the Govern- 
ment should “establish and maintain a system to provide for the planning and 
coordination of the National program.” 
The Commission recommended the establishment of a new independent 
agency to report directly to the President. Dr. Stratton, in his testimony to the 
House Subcommittee on Oceanography, on April 29, 1969, emphasized that the 
formation of such an agency, ‘recognizes the environmental unity of land, sea 
and atmosphere .. .” The Commission suggested that the agency might be 
called the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). The Com- 
mission further recommended that it initially be composed of the U.S. Coast 
Guard, the Environmental Science Services Administration, the Bureau of 
Commercial Fisheries (augmented by the marine and anadromous fisheries 
functions of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife), the National Sea 
Grant Program, the U.S. Lake Survey, and the National Oceanographic Data 
Center. Other functions were suggested for later transfer, including the 
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the Arctic and Ant- 
arctic programs. The recently formed National Oceanographic Instrumentation 
Center might also be a candidate for later incorporation into NOAA. Certain 
other functions, such as those of NASA, AEC and Navy, were specifically 
not recommended for transfer. 
Those departments from which these agencies would be withdrawn have 
generally objected. Comments have also been heard in testimony stating that 
an ocean oriented agency should not be separated from a “land” agency or that 
it would be preferable to create a larger agency organized around the 
environment. 
OSTAC believes that it is feasible and desirable at this time to consolidate 
certain civilian oceanic efforts into a National ocean agency. This consolida- 
tion and resulting leadership would provide a sufficiently large or critical 
mass to lead the Nation’s civilian ocean program and to promote the advance- 
ment of ocean science and technology. Some of its expected benefits include the 
following: 
Increased efficiency through the sharing of manpower, facilities and 
ships; 
Hnablement of the head of a National ocean agency to direct the efforts 
of the consolidated agencies rather than having to rely on pursuasion and 
coordination ; and 
The launching of new multipurpose science and fundamental technology 
activities. 
The rationale for consolidation is discussed at greater length on pages 227 
to 230 of the Commission Report, and on pages V—2, V-18 and V—-19 of the Report 
of the Panel on Industry and Private Investment. 
OSTAC is not prepared, however, to comment on which Federal ocean func- 
tions and activities ‘should be consolidated because of the many factors to be 
studied and the many ccnsiderations to be reconciled within the Federal 
organizational structure. In this presentation, therefore, the term ‘National 
ocean agency” is used to describe the agency, however it might be established 
either as to function or reporting relationship, which will lead the civilian 
Federal ocean program. One example of a feasible approach that could 
accomplish what is needed is the consolidation of certain existing agencies 
along the lines of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency as recom- 
mended by the Commission. 
OSTAC believes that the main concern of the National ocean agency should 
be with programs of scientific research, fundamental technology and essential 
supporting functions, such as those necesary for expanding use of the sea, for 
