31 



These and other studies may not contribute to the solution of ocean 

 pollution problems per se, but they do provide the necessary auxiliary 

 data for pursuing research on pollution in a logical and rational 

 manner. 



Let me emphasize the necessity for international cooperation in 

 these mattere of global concern. They affect all of us, and the United 

 States alone caimot make all the measurements required or hope to 

 stem pollution by unilateral action. I am pleased to note here that 

 cooperation with other nations is an integral part of many of the 

 Foimdation's programs, among them two that I have just discussed — 

 the IDOE and the U.S. Antarctic research program. 



Before concluding my remarks, 1 should like to make an observa- 

 tion on one aspect of pollution that is often misunderstood — namely, 

 pollution by natural substances. Certain elements, such as metals, have 

 recently received high public visibility as to their potential hazards 

 to biota and to man. However, some of these are essential to life when 

 in the proper chemical form and concentration, while others evidenc- 

 ing no specific benefits are believed to have been present for millions 

 of years and life forms have adapted to their presence. 



There is no evidence that the concentrations of these elements in 

 the open ocean are being increased; suggesting that the chemical 

 processes in the marine environment involve their removal at a rate 

 Avhich maintains a constant concentration. 



However, tlie concentration of these trace elements generally in- 

 creases as one approaches the areas where rivers empty into the 

 ocean, and their source has been largely through natural erosion of 

 the watershed. 



No definitive answer can be given as to what constitutes dangerous 

 levels of total metal content, because the chemistry is such that speci- 

 fic compounds of the metal must be assessed individually with respect 

 to estimated danger levels. 



In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, let me note that fundamental knowl- 

 edge of mechanisms operating in the ocean has been of interest to 

 mankind long before there was an organized science called oceanog- 

 raphy. Our current understanding of the oceans is an accumulation 

 of knowledge gathered over a period of time, although the rate of 

 which we have been accumulating this knowledge has been increasing 

 ra))idly over the past decade or two. 



The NSF research programs are thus contributing to the basic 

 knowledge necessary for future planning and rational action with 

 rejrard to ocean pollution. 



Thank you very much. 



Senator Holltxgs. You said that panels of experts at the Woods 

 Hole workshop outlined critical coastal problems and recommended 

 research needed to achieve an understanding of the contamination of 

 coastal waters. 



Now, other than the recommendation, what has been done about 

 coastal research ? 



Dr. OwEX. May I respond. Senator ? 



Senator Holltxos. Yes, please. 



Dr. OwEX. I believe you are referring to the symposium that was 

 conducted under joint sponsorship by several Federal agencies, the 

 report of which has been edited by one of your witnesses due to 

 testify this morning. 



