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tlie oceans, there are saps between tlieir present missions that preclnde the de- 

 velopment of a comprehensive ocean engineering capability. These gaps must be 

 filled if we are to develop the capability of conquering the oce?Tn depths for peace- 

 ful vmrpopes and exploiting the vast resource potential of the oceans. 



There are many ways in which these sraps in present ocean eng-ineering projects 

 could be filled. I think it is fairly obvious that the oeeanographie research and 

 engineering programs now underway are indeed germane to the operations of the 

 departments and agencies sponsoring them. It is not nearly so clear to me that 

 the development of an ocean engineering capability can be satisfactorily split up 

 among many organizations. I tend, therefore, to think that there should be a new 

 Government organization whose primary responsibility is ocean engineering and 

 resource development. 



This new Government organization should fill the void outside and beyond the 

 mission of existing agencies. Today we must establish new national goals con- 

 cerning the oceans. There is new and different work to be done. To meet these 

 new needs, it is reasonable to establish a new agency with a different mission — 

 a mission, I would suggest, that should be carefully drafted by this Commission. 



I do not believe it would be wise to sweep all ocean-related activities into 

 this proposed new agency. It is wholly proper and wise to retain the defense- 

 related activities within the Navy, to continue the environmental mission of 

 ESSA, basic research in the oceans with NSF, fisheries research with BCF, 

 regulation of the merchant fieet with the Maritime Administration and the 

 study of the interactions within the ocean environment of man's use of nuclear 

 energy with the AEC. 



In my opinion, the new agency should have two prime functions: (1) The 

 development of ocean engineering and the exploitation of ocean resources within 

 a mission defined by the Commission, and (2) the coordination of the marine- 

 oriented work of existing agencies through the establishment of a marine sciences 

 board somewhat similar to the National Science Board or the Former National 

 Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. It should be a funding agency and not an 

 operating agency. To accomplish its mission, it should use Government labora- 

 tories, private industry, university and non-profit institutions as is appropriate. 



It appears likely that the expenditure of public funds must be substantially 

 increased to insure that the United States maintains its position of leadership in 

 marine affairs. Probably the expenditure of a few billion dollars annually will 

 be necessary. Within our governmental system, this can best be done by the 

 establishment of appropriate committees in both houses of Congress which will 

 be the sponsioring committees for 'the prioposeid new agemey. There is ample prece- 

 dent for such action when a national need is suflBciently critical. 



Mr. Downing. Doctor, do you think the time will ever come when 

 we will be able to harness the power of the oceans as we now do our 

 rivers ? 



Dr. Fye. Not in exactly the same way, Mr. Chairman, but in very 

 important and effective ways. I am not sure what is in your mind 

 when you say as we have done with the rivers, perhaps with hydraulic 

 plants and electric power. 



As you know, there have been a number of schemes of developing 

 electrical power from tides. One apparently is working successfully. 

 I have no doubt that others could be devised, and it could well be a 

 successful operation from an engineering standpoint. 



The economics have really been what has been holding it back. From 

 other standpoints, there are many ways that one can think of for using 

 the energy of the oceans. This includes the supply of food which is a 

 source of energy, derived eventually from the sun through the photo- 

 synthetic process. 



I would answer your question by saying that I don't think it will be 

 in ways completely analogous to the rivers, but certainly equally and 

 even more importantly in its effectiveness. 



Mr. Downing. Thank you, Dr. Fye. 



One more question from Counsel. 



