401 



Data and Observations on Oceanography 



report of the commission on marine sciences, engeneering 

 and resources 



The Commission has proposed new Federal Government programs in marine 

 science and technology which would require additional funds of around $800 

 million a year, nearly doubling the estimated $900 million currently being spent 

 for civil oceanographic activities. Thus, the combined programs, present and 

 proposed if continued and approved, would involve Federal Government expen- 

 ditures of close to $18 billion during the decade of the 70 's, including an annual 

 provision of 3% for inflation. The increases would probably be more rapid in 

 the early part of the coming decade and level off as the programs reach maturity 

 toward the end of it. As a result, there could be a rapidly increasing trend of 

 Government funding for oceanography during the early 70 's. The table shows that 

 spending by the Federal Government on civil oceanographic activities may 

 triple from the present level of $900 million to $2. 7 billion by 1980 and grow at 

 an average annual compound rate of 12% including a 3%-inflation factor. 



LEVEL OF SPENDING ON CIVIL OCEANOGRAPHY BY THE FEDERAL 

 GOVERNMENT 



Annual 



1969 $0.9 Billion Decade of 70's $17.0 Billion 



Proposed new 



programs by 1980 1. 1 factor .7 



3% Inflation factor 



Total- 1980 $2. 7 Billion $17.7 Billion 



Annual growth rate 12% 



The Commission, in its terms of reference, has taken a broader view of 

 what encompasses oceanography than has the Council in its present budget, 

 which is approximately $525 million. The Coast Guard and Environmental 

 Science Services Administration (ESSA), are two activities which would become 

 a part of the proposed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA),accord- 

 ing to the recommendations of the Commission. The Bureau of Commercial 

 Fisheries, the National Sea Grant Program, the U.S. Lake Survey, the National 

 Oceanographic Data Center and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife would 

 likewise be transferred to this new independent federal agency which would re- 

 port directly to the executive branch of the Government. 



The Co\incil is currently reviewing the Commission's report for the Vice 

 President so that the new Administration may decide what action to recommend 

 to Congress and to the other executive agencies of the Government in implementing 

 it. 



