lishing international agreement on a mechanism to insure that all modifica- 
tion efforts be devoted to peaceful and mutually beneficial purposes. 
CAPITAL STRUCTURE FOR OCEANOGRAPHIC AND 
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH 
In our introduction to the second Annual Report, we expressed concern 
with the impact of the mid-FY °73 budget cuts on essential oceanic and 
atmospheric programs. Carefully as they appeared to have been negotiated 
to minimize effects, we felt they nevertheless might have created a distort- 
ing and smothering effect on the future. We were particularly concerned 
with cutbacks in planned capital expenditures and summed up our concern 
by saying, “Underinvestment in the capital structure needed for marine 
and atmospheric research of the next decade could mean losing ground 
which would be costly to regain in later years.” 
Studies of the capital structure for both atmospheric and oceanic agency- 
approved research programs seem well under way, with completion dates 
before the end of calendar 1974. In view of the extensive leadtimes for 
acquiring ships, to say nothing of their long service lifetimes after acquisi- 
tion, NACOA reiterates its hope that the study can contribute to considera- 
tion of research program options beyond the margin of mere extension of 
what is currently being done. 
OCEAN ENGINEERING STUDY 
Last year NACOA recommended, as an interim measure, that the Ocean- 
ographer of the Navy be designated Federal Coordinator for Marine Tech- 
nology Development. The Secretary of Commerce suggested instead that 
NACOA first define what the civilian ocean needs are and what should be 
the appropriate roles for government and industry. The Committee desig- 
nated a panel to do so. 
This panel has found itself able to take advantage of a vast amount of 
work already performed. It is clear to the Committee that there is general 
need for research and development leading to techniques and equipment 
to accomplish various tasks in the oceans. Agreement on specific needs, how- 
ever, is not apparent. Our panel is charged with examining the need and 
developing those specifics. When its work is done, we plan to issue a special 
report. 
THE COAST GUARD: ENFORCEMENT AT SEA 
Most of the areas treated in this chapter impinge directly on the Coast 
Guard. R&D in the coastal zone could involve pollution standards and 
estuarine problems which require Coast Guard patrol and enforcement. 
The fisheries plan could involve heavy enforcement duties as part of con- 
servation measures. The capital structure study might produce outcroppings 
36 
