214 



They would eventually like to place an underwater habitat on Cobb 

 Seamount which is located some 200 miles off the coast of Washington. 



The depth of the top of the sea mound is about 120 feet and would 

 be used primarily as an observational platform for measurements in 

 the open ocean. 



However, we feel very strongly that you have to develop the exper- 

 tise, both technological and scientific, in a shallower and more pro- 

 tected environment, and we feel that the ideal place would be in Puget 

 Sound. The habitat could be located 



Mr. Lennon. You mean you or we. 



Go ahead for the record. 



Mr. Mahnken. We feel that. 



Mr. Van Derwalkee. Connie is speaking for me. 



Mr. Mahnken. I am speaking for John Van Derwalker and myself 

 and Mr. Pelly. The habitat could be located from 60 to 100 feet very 

 nicely in Puget Sound. 



In the meantime the possibility could be explored and studied for 

 using the habitat as a possible station for operating under water pens 

 for the use of aquaculture. There are interests in Puget Sound now 

 that have a very strong desire to further the potential of aquaculture in 

 Puget Sound. It could be used as an underwater platform for tech- 

 nicians and scientists for studying underwater pens of salmon or under- 

 water rafts of mussels and oysters and other marine organisms. 



I thank you very much. 



Mr. Lennon. Where would you like for us to take that excerpt from 

 the record and send it ? 



I was going to come to the point for every member of the committee 

 to have an opportunity to question not only the four aquanauts but 

 also anyone who has spoken here this morning, and I want to recognize 

 our distinguished chairman first. 



Mr. Garmatz. I wanted to 'ask the gentleman if he had any aspira- 

 tions to run for Congress up in Washington. 



Mr. Mahnken. No, sir. I have a very fine Congressman from my 

 district already. 



Mr. Pelly. Mr. Chairman, I hope you have not forgotten that I 

 voted for your jellyfish bill. 



Mr. Garmatz. Thank you. 



Mr. Lennon. Any other questions from our distinguished chairman 

 on the record? 



Mr. Garmatz. I am sorry I was a little late getting here. We have 

 an authorization bill coming up today and I am trying to make a few 

 notes. 



On behalf of all the members of the committee, I am most happy to 

 welcome you gentlemen here. 



As the chairman of the subcommittee said, you are doing an excel- 

 lent job. Unfortunately I was not able to hear as much as I would have 

 liked, although I want to compliment you gentlemen on -a very good 

 job, and I must say that the slides are very informative. 



I wish you luck in all your endeavors whether in the State of Wash- 

 ington or in the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland. 



Mr. Lennon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



At this point I am going to ask unanimous consent that there be 

 printed in the record or published in the record the picture that I have 

 here of you four gentlemen. 



