Marine biological studies in Antarctic waters will also comprise an 

 important part of the research activity of the USNS ELTANIN and shore 

 stations in the Antarctic „ 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 



FY-62 $ 

 FY-63 $250 3 000 

 An obvious need in any oceanographic program is for adequate description 

 of the animals and plants of the sea 3 any one of which may become the 

 basis for an intensive study now or at some future date. The study of 

 ecology of these organisms naturally comes after the precise identi- 

 fication and description of species are available. The development of 

 ecological biology 3 the foundation of all national appraisal and control 

 of our living resources,, depends to a great degree on the rapid,, accurate 

 and specific identification of organisms encountered, Accurate identi- 

 fication of species of organisms is a basic requirement for the elucidation 

 of marine biological phenomena and for an understanding of the complexion 

 of the resources of the sea. 



In order to provide basic identifications of marine organisms to other 

 scientists engaged in this national effort, and to prepare revisions 

 and monographs of biological groups about which little is yet known,, 

 the Museum, of Natural History staff will be increased from its present 

 21 to 70 over a ten-year period, FT-63 will see the initial effort of 

 this expansion. Until an adequate staff is achieved ? some of the 

 early work must be carried out by contract to other institutions. 



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