482 



of venoms, enzymes, etc. Many scientists are desirous of investigating biomedical 

 problems but are unable to obtain the necessary logistics support. Laboratory and 

 research vessel facilities are urgently needed for biomedical studies. 



INSTRUMENTATION NEEDS 



It is imperative that the effectiveness of instrumentation to be used at sea be 

 increased, since this is the major avenue by which the effectiveness of the re- 

 search investigator can be improved. The design of instruments intended for use 

 in the marine environment is at present left to the ingenuity and usually meager 

 facilities of the individual who needs them. Although miracles are achieved by 

 this route, it subverts time of biologically trained men, and their lack of training 

 in engineering and some of the physical sciences is often evident in the result. 



It is therefore recommended that funding for research and development of 

 instrumentation, collecting devices, diving research vehicles, and data handling 

 and processing equipment be specifically directed towards that segment of our 

 economy which can best satisfy this need — industry. In order to guide the se- 

 lection of projects to be funded, it is suggested that review panels be set up within 

 the framework of the Marine Biomedical Coordinating Committee for this pur- 

 pose. These review panels would have the specific task of making recommenda- 

 tions of areas of technology and instrumentation which need improvement. The 

 means for effecting this improvement would be left to industry and engineers, 

 working in close collaboration with scientists. 



BECOMMENDED AREAS OF MARINE BIOMEDICAL BESEABCH 



The following are some suggested areas of marine biomedical research which 

 are urgently in need of attention. Undoubtedly there are other priority areas 

 which have been overlooked, but these suggestions provide a rough guideline to 

 the scope of marine biomedical research that is needed. 



Taxonomy and ecology of medically important marine organisms, particularly 

 dangerous marine animals of all types. Studies should include photographic 

 documentation of their habits, habitat, identification, etc. 



Screening of marine organisms for biological activity. 



Investigation of the food web of marine organisms. 



Study of triggering mechanisms in the production of toxicity cycles in marine 

 organisms. 



Uses of marine organisms as biomedical research tools. 



The investigation of industrial waste product contaminants involved in the 

 food web of marine organisms. 



The use of marine organisms as sources of new drugs. 



Investigation of marine biochemical substances as models for the development 

 of new synthetic chemicals. 



Evaluation of health safety standards for new marine-derived foods. 



Development of laboratory culture techniques of marine organisms that are 

 likely to serve as sources of either new foods or useful biochemical agents. 



Clinical aspects, diag-noses, treatment and prevention of marine biotoxications 

 and other marine-induced diseases. 



Study of disease processes in marine organisms. 



Epidemiology of marine biotoxications. 



Mass aquaculture techniques. for the production of food and useful biochemical 

 agents. 



Study of the effects of aquaculture as it relates to environmental disease pro- 

 duction and control mechanisms. 



Origin of toxic and other biologically active substances in marine organisms. 



Development of surveillance systems of commercial marine food and drug 

 products. 



The study of the use of marine organisms by primitive native groups. 



Chemical and pharmacological properties of biologically active marine sub- 

 stances. 



Marine bionics. 



'Chemotaxonomy of marine organisms. 



Investigation of food detection and sensory mechanisms in marine animals. 



A national file for the storage and retrieval of marine health information. 



Investigation of the nutritional potential of plankton. 



Investigation of marine pathogenic microorganisms. 



