1278 , 
activity in the oceans. Each additional layer of authority multiplies the costs and 
red tape. 
FEDERAL ORGANIZATION 
At the national level, the Marine Science Commission has proposed a grouping 
of ocean activities under a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency— 
N.O.A.A.—in place of the existing National Council on Marine Resources and 
Hngineering Development. 
By law the National Council will continue in being until the Congress 
passes new legislation creating some other arrangement. The National Marine 
Council has done a commendable job of initiation, coordination, and direction in 
the past two years under the leadership cf Vice President Humphrey. On the 
other hand, the Council is limited in its power to act. It is a poor competitor for 
funds and impinges heavily upon presidential staff time. Above all it is not an 
appropriate vehicle for a strong operating agency with mission tasks that stretch 
across a wide spectrum of concerns—scientific, engineering, industrial, govern- 
mental. 
The Commission on Marine Science is correct in saying that ‘‘a system relying 
upon coordination of organizationally dispersed activities’ is not a substitute 
for a “single operating agency having authority and capability commensurate 
with the scope and urgency of the national ocean program.” 
The suggestion of forming a new department of government has merit, but 
would involve surgical severance of numerous agencies from their present depart- 
mental ties. There is reason to believe this would be resisted within some of the 
more powerful departments, and might entail unhappy ties with other associates. 
The proposed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency would initially en- 
compass the Coast Guard, the Environmental Sciences Services Administration, 
the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, the Sea Grant Program, the National 
Oceanographic Data Center, and some other bureaus. It would leave other ac- 
tivities where they are now located in the Navy, Interior, Transportation, State, 
and other departments, together with N.A.S.A., the Atomic Energy Commission, 
and elsewhere. 
This compromise would bring some related activities together leaving prob- 
lems of coordination still to be resolved with others. The arrangement will, if 
carried through, assemble under one roof approximately 55,000 employees, seme 
320 vessels, numerous aircraft, the principal oceanographic laboratories, and 
other facilities. Such a team would command a strong leader and a good man- 
ager. 
Coordination of activities left under the responsibility of other agencies would 
be vested in the head of N.O.A.A. The same responsibilities now reside with the 
Executive Secretary of the National Marine Council but the head of N.O.A.A. 
would be stronger because he would have a large operating organization behind 
him. But the Congress must make it clear in its legislation, if it accepts this 
plan, that the head of N.O.A.A. is to have such a function, under the direction 
of the President, and that his role is to be supreme in this respect. 
With the precaution suggested, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency 
eould mark a constructive step forward comparable with N.A.S.A., the Office of 
Science and Technology, and the Atomic Energy Commission. 
The program recommended by the Commission would cost on the order of 
$650 million a year between 1971-75 and by 1980 approximately $1 billion a 
year. Taking the 10-year period the costs are estimated to come to a total of 
$8 billion. Given the squeeze that is now mounting on tax dollars in this coun- 
try and the competition of other major programs, there is serious question how 
much of a chance the Marine Science Commission stands of getting the dollars 
it is asking for. 
The delay of the Nixon administration in responding to the Stratton Commis- 
sion Report is deplorable. It may not fatally undermine congressional progress, 
for there is considerable steam within the Congress for action in this area, 
but it suggests that ocean engineers and oceanographers may have to settle for 
less than they would like. 
Hach nation must set its own house in order to establish consistent and ef- 
fective programs. The Report of the Marine Science Commission goes a long way 
in affording a comprehensive, logically consistent blueprint. At the same time, 
ali nations must recognize that adjustment of individual interests in the light of 
broader needs and a willingness to reach mutually advantageous arrangements 
afford the path to the maximum benefit of all. 
(Whereupon, at 11:40 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned, to meet at 9:30 a.m.. 
Tuesday, October 28, 1969. ) O 
