11 



I would like to suggest that perhaps this statement on the high- 

 lights be entered into the record. If it is agreeable to you, Mr. Chair- 

 man, I will call successively on a number of my associates here to 

 read or to comment with regard to their interpretation of each of 

 these chapters — what is in it and what is really important. That might 

 be the basis of questions you would ask so we can get a discussion. 



One statement here. The people I call on are not personally identified 

 witli those particular chapters. Again this is a fusion here of different 

 people. I do not want to hold them as singly accountable for what is 

 here. We take common responsibility for this report. 



If this is agreeable to you, Mr. Lennon, I would like to call first on 

 John Perry to talk a little bit about what is needed to be done to 

 develop our national capabilities and why this is important. 



Mr. Lennon. Do I understand it is your desire that these high- 

 lights be entered in the record at this time and the remarks of other 

 members of the Commission follow? 



Dr. Stratton. I should like to make that request. 



Mr. Lennon. Without objection that shall be done. 



(The report referred to follows :) 



Highlights of the Report of the Commission on Marine Science, 

 Engineering, and Resources 



Like the oceans themselves, the Nation's marine interests are vast, complex, 

 and not susceptible to simplicity of treatment. A plan for national action is needed 

 to assure the orderly development of our uses of the sea in a manner which will 

 advance the nation's security, contribute to its economic growth, assure that it 

 can meet increasing demands for food and raw materials, protect its position and 

 influence in the world community, and preserve and improve the quality of the 

 environment in which our people live. The plan must provide for determined 

 attack on immediate problems concurrently with initiation of a long-range 

 program to develop the knowledge, technology, and a framework of laws and 

 institutions to lay the foundation for efficient and productive marine activities 

 in the years ahead. 



The Commission report begins with an introductory statement of the Nation's 

 stake in the uses of the sea and a summary of major recommendations. The five 

 chapters which follow treat primary areas of national emphasis. Since a strong, 

 solid base of science and technology is the common denominator for accomplish- 

 ment in every area of marine interest, actions necessary to advance our technical 

 capability are presented at the outset in Chapter 2. Then follow in order chapters 

 on the protection and management of the coastal zones and estuaries; the develop- 

 ment of Uving and nonhving resources of the sea; the exploration and monitoring 

 of the total global environment; and the technical services necessary to operate 

 at sea. Chapter 7 brings together the Commission's proposals for strengthening 

 Federal organization through formation of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

 Agency (NOAA), and the report concludes with an estimate of costs. 



The remainder of this statement identifies the Commission's major findings and 

 recommendations in order to provide an overview of the total proposed program. 



hn-proving national capability 



The Commission's concern with science and technology appears throughout its 

 report — in relation to coastal management, fresh water restoration, resource 

 development, deep sea exploration, environmental monitoring, and a host of 

 marine services. Although each of these areas presents special requirements, they 

 all draw on a common pool of knowledge regarding the sea and on a common 

 reservoir of fundamental engineering skill. 



Arrangements for the support of marine science are well estabUshed, but must 

 be improved to provide means for attacking large-scale problems and greater 

 continuity of funding. In contrast, there is now no strong civil marine technology 

 program; initiation of such a program is needed to increase our access to the sea 

 and its resources, lower the costs of marine operations while increasing their 

 reUability and safety, and provide the knowledge needed to make intelligent 

 decisions regarding large future public and private investments. 



