scientific knowledge and to provide a knowledge- 

 able basis for administering resource development. 

 ITie Government should not support or undertake 

 those detailed surveys or other studies which 

 industry is already equipped and willing to do at 

 its own expense. 



Nearly all of our present understanding of the 

 fundamental geology of continental margins and 

 other marine areas has resulted from the pioneer- 

 ing marine studies conducted by oceanographic 

 and other academic institutions. This work forms 

 the fundamental foundation for interpreting all 

 other marine surveys, and it continues to be of 

 basic importance to predicting and interpreting 

 offshore potential for all mineral resources. 



The marine surveys conducted by academic 

 institutions are distinct from systematic surveys of 

 offshore areas in that they are devoted to solving 

 specific problems in marine geology that com- 

 monly have wide application. The bulk of these 

 studies are supported by Federal grants and such 

 support should be actively continued or even 

 expanded. 



Recommendation : 



The marine geological and geophysical surveys and 

 scientific studies historically conducted by oceano- 

 graphic and other academic institutions should 

 continue to be actively supported through Federal 

 funding. 



VII-222 



