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importance as a source of liuman food, as a means of recreation and as 

 a source of fresli water. 



We in Interior arc always interested in exploring new ways to study 

 the ocean. One cannot gain a complete picture of what is going on 

 below the surface of the sea if he must make his observations from the 

 shore or from the deck of a ship. It is necessary, we believe, in certain 

 studies at least, for man to go below the surface and become a part of 

 this underwater environment if he is to understand the very complex 

 processes and interactions that occur there. Fixed habitats like Telctite, 

 and submersibles that can move, both have an important role to play. 



Interior is also interested, of course, in studying the ocean with 

 remote sensing instruments from spacecraft, buoys, and other un- 

 manned vehicles. 



The Tektite experiment gave us the opportunity to evaluate satura- 

 tion diving and the underwater habitat as a new research method and 

 tool, and to develop a cadre of men trained in this new field. They 

 will now return to their laboratories and pass on these new skills to 

 others in our field research programs. Tektite has been a very profit- 

 able experience to Interior and we look forward to other experiments 

 of this kind. 



As Secretary Hickel said at the award ceremony yesterday : 



I think their accomplishment is ample proof that Interior is serious about 

 developing the resources of the ocean — that this is not a conservative, old line 

 department which has no interest in new Ideas and techniques, as some people 

 have said in the past. 



I can't help but comment, Mr. Chairman, that I returned last night 

 from the north slope of Alaska, having spent the night before at Point 

 Barrow inquiring into the problems of the Arctic environment in 

 which Interior has a very strong interest, and here again I think is an 

 example of the breadth of our interest. 



One of the aquanauts mentioned to me just before you called the 

 committee to order that he was somewhat concerned that perhaps the 

 next underwater experiment might be in the Arctic, and he really pre- 

 ferred the Virgin Islands. 



While the aquanauts will address the committee following the intro- 

 duction of the other agency representatives present, I would like to 

 introduce them at this time, as they are the stars of this show. 



First, Mr. Richard Waller, biological oceanographer with the Bu- 

 reau of Commercial Fisheries and the senior aquanaut. Xext, Dr. 

 Edward Clifton, marine geologist with the Geological Survey: Mr. 

 Conrad Mahnken, biological oceanographer; and Mr. John Van Der- 

 walker, fishery biologist, both with the Bureau of Commercial 

 Fisheries. 



Mr. Chairman, that completes my statement, and following the 

 remarks of the other agency representatives whom you may call upon, 

 Mr. Richard Waller will be ready to give his impressions to this com- 

 mittee of the 60 days spent below the surface and to answer any 

 questions that the committee might have. 



Mr. Lexnon". Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. 



Yesterday afternoon I was discussing this project with Admiral 

 Waters and Dr. White of ESSA, andl commented about the co- 

 operative effort on the part of so many agencies and the private in- 

 dustry sector in this project. They reminded me of a fact that is given 



