147 



Great Lakes Eegion Data Center, which arcliive and inventory data 

 and selected information for nearshore areas. Studies are made for 

 selected areas and special inventories are prepared and maintained 

 to snpprot national needs. 



The Great Lakes, though unique in our Nation's coastal zone as 

 fresh- water bodies, constitutes a major coastal region of the United 

 States. This region, which shares many common problems with 

 Canada, is undergoing rapid growth with many of the accompanying 

 problems. 



Many of the NOAA programs which provide products and serv- 

 ices throughout the country serve this region and contribute to its 

 development. 



In addition, a specific program is focused on the Great Lakes and 

 its problems. This provides current and adequate nautical charts to 

 a growing number of mariners using the Lake Waterway Systems; 

 it provides a water resource information service through the Great 

 Lakes Kegional Data Center; and it provides estimates of the hydro- 

 logic cycle and understanding of the large-scale circulation and ther- 

 mal features which contribute importantly to economical, efficient, 

 and healthy water management planning. 



Mr. Chairman, I have presented here only a brief overview of 

 NOAA's activities in the coastal zone. I would be pleased to supply 

 for the record a more comprehensive description of the role of NOAA 

 in coastal zone activities, particularly as these would support coastal 

 zone management. 



Again, it has been a great pleasure for me to be here with you. If 

 you would wish, I would attempt to answer any questions or provide 

 more information that you may wish. 



^Ir, Lennon. Thank you. Doctor. 



Mr. Mosher ? 



]\Ir. MosHER. Mr. Chairman, it seems to m.e crystal clear that all of 

 us here today join in the goal that is represented by the legislation 

 before us which combines the best of H.R. 2492 and H.R. 2493 and 

 H.R. 9229. 



I think all of us recognize that we agree with the goals of that bill. 



The question before us is a matter how we can best organize to 

 reach those goals. 



Now, Dr. White, on page 3 of your statement, it says this Nation 

 cannot delay much longer in more rationally, more effectively manag- 

 ing the coastal zones. You say this deserves priority attention. 



You emphasize the urgency of it, and all these attitudes that you 

 have expressed here certainly are representative of the legislation 

 that the chairman has introduced and which members of this com- 

 mittee have also introduced. 



At the same time. Dr. lAHiite, you express the administration's 

 point of view that ultimately we must recognize the broader aspects 

 of land use policy, and you have put the Department of Commerce 

 on record as in support ultimately of an organization that is repre- 

 sented in the administration's bill. 



My question, nfter that long preface to set things in perspective, the 

 question I would like to ask Dr. White is this: Do you believe that 

 the legislation that is now before this committee, nnd in which we are 

 moving vigorously — do 3^ou believe that if we could get the Congress 



