549 
Unlike many U.S. oceanographers who emphasize “‘pure research’’, 
published in well known national and international magazines, Soviet 
ocean scientists are said to be more pragmatic. Their first concern 
is immediate practical results. Hence, a great deal of the nonmilitary 
effort is concentrated on problems related to the utilization of ocean 
resources both living and nonliving. The work of oceanological agen- 
cies usually entails locating the resources, be they fish or mineral, 
and aiding in the development of techniques and equipment necessary 
to exploit them. Soviet oceanographers also serve the needs of the 
merchant marine, through the determination of wind and current con- 
ditions throughout the world. The Naval Hydrographic Service dis- 
claims the conduct of any basic research but instead has its basic 
research requirements done by the civilian institutions. In spite of 
of the fact that the Naval Hydrographic Service downplays its role 
in Soviet oceanography, it is known to have a major role in oceanic 
research. The hydrographic office of the Naval Hydrographic Service 
claims to have produced a total of 2,200 charts, which is almost 
triple the number of issues produced by the National Ocean Survey 
of NOAA and nearly a third of the quantity issued by the US. 
Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center. Distribution of Soviet 
nautical charts is extremely limited, and they are not generally availa- 
ble to the public. Most Soviet vessels may be considered as data 
source; collecting primarily routine data. Some observers consider that 
the Soviet Union, through its naval survey program and the purchase 
of foreign chart editions, has compiled a very nearly complete holding 
of nautical charts of the world. 
REASONS FOR SOVIET EMPHASIS ON OCEANOGRAPHY 
Strong forces from both the military and civilian sectors of Soviet 
society are pushing for increased funding of the oceanographic effort. 
Oceanographic data are considered essential for the operation of a 
modern navy. They supply input to both bathymetric and navigational 
charts and provide environmental predictions necessary in the develop- 
ment of undersea warfare techniques. 
Historically, the Soviet Union has suffered a shortage of animal 
protein. A high percentage of the total caloric intake in the average 
Russian diet is estimated to consist of some form of cereal product. 
Fisheries-related oceanographic research probably will lead to the most 
rapid means for overcoming this deficiency. 
Extensive oceanographic activity is required in the northern coastal 
waters of the U.S.S.R. in support of Northern Sea Route navigation. 
This route is a vital communications link between eastern and western 
portions of the Soviet Union, and with increased development of 
the Soviet Far East, its importance increases. 
Although much of the Soviet oceanographic effort represents basic 
and descriptive survey interests, the proportion of Soviet marine 
research work directed toward applied oceanography is larger than 
that of the United States effort. The Soviets place major emphasis 
on physical oceanography, although there are active programs in 
biological, geological, and chemical oceanography and in marine 
meteorology. 
