238 



can be realized on the investment. Private industry undoubtedly will undertake 

 ocean engineering projects as soon as it is economically feasible. I do not believe 

 tbis will come about soon enougb to satisfy national needs and to meet national 

 goals. 



Oceanograpbic research and engineering programs now underway are germane 

 to the operations of sponsoring departments and agencies. However, the develop- 

 ment of a vastly increased ocean engineering capability probably cannot be 

 split satisfactorily among these many organizations. I think there should be a 

 new government organization whose primary responsibility is ocean engineering 

 and resource development. This organization should work outside and beyond the 

 missions of existing agencies. Today we are establishing new national oceanic 

 goals. There is new work to be done. To meet these needs, it is reasonable to 

 establish a new agency with a different mission. 



It would not be wise to sweep all ocean-related activities into this proposed 

 agency. It is wholly proper to retain defense-related activities within Navy, en- 

 vironmental missions with ESSA, basic research with NSF, fisheries research 

 with BCF, regulation of the merchant fleet with Maritime Administration, and 

 the study of nuclear energy with ABC. 



The new agency should have two prime functions : (1) to develop ocean engi- 

 neering and to exploit ocean resources within a defined mission, and (2) to 

 coordinate marine-oriented work of existing agencies through a marine sciences 

 board similar to the National Science Board or the former NACA. It should be a 

 funding, not an operating agency. It should use appropriate existing government 

 laboratories, private industry, university and non-profit institutions to accom- 

 plish its mission. 



The expenditure of public funds must be substantially increased, probably to 

 a few billion dollars annually, to insure that the United States maintains its 

 position of leadership in marine affairs. Within our governmental system, this 

 can be done by establishing appropriate committees in Congress which would 

 sponsor the proposed new agency. There is ample precedent for such action when 

 a national need is critical. 



Mr. Downing. Did you have any supporting papers that you would 

 like to put in the record along with the synopsis ? 



Dr. Fte. I think it is adequate. I have a fuller statement than just 

 the synopsis. If the committee wishes, I would be glad to send that to 

 you. I think this covers the essential part of the idea. 



Mr. Downing. I think it might be well to include that along with 

 the synopsis at this point in the record. 



Without objection that will be done. 



(The statement follows :) 



Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 

 Woods Hole, Massachusetts, June 13, 1969. 

 Hon. Alton S. Lennon, 



Suicomm.ittee on Oceanography, Comm,ittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, 

 House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 



My Dear Congressman Lennon : During the hearing of your Subcommittee on 

 May 20th, I was asked to submit to you my statement before the Research and 

 Environmental Panels of the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and 

 Resources on November 7, 1967 concerning Government organization. The text 

 of this material is enclosed. 



Also, I was asked to submit comments concerning the management of the pro- 

 posed University-National Laboratory and the Coastal Zone Laboratory. As I 

 noted in my statement before your Subcommittee, our staff in Woods Hole has 

 had this particular aspect of the Marine Commission Report under detailed 

 study. We are putting together for our Board of Trustees our concept of how a 

 cooperative program such as a University-National Laboratory might be operated 

 in Woods Hole. When this is completed and reviewed by our Board, I would be 

 glad to submit this for your information. 



