strengthen the entire cycle. Subsystem and compo- 
nent developments will make possible new opera- 
tional systems. Expected benefits have been a 
primary concern in selecting these particular 
National Projects. It is difficult to foresee and 
define all the expected benefits; some endeavors 
will yield substantially greater benefits than origi- 
nally anticipated. History proves that new and 
unexpected applications will evolve as technology 
expands. 
A. Fundamental Technology 
The encouragement and advancement of funda- 
mental technology is mandatory to provide the 
knowledge base for expanded and improved ocean 
operations. Upon this planners and engineers can 
make decisions on future programs and projects. 
In many cases this improved fundamental tech- 
nology will be directly applied to or further 
developed through the mechanism of National 
Projects. 
B. National Projects 
National Projects is the generic name used to 
identify projects, facilities, and programs large in 
scale and best accomplished by a unified and 
concentrated effort. Proper planning and execu- 
tion of these projects often will facilitate applica- 
tion of fundamental technology initially to sub- 
systems and components and later to operational 
systems. Several projects have been selected for 
consideration which span the field of technology. 
More details on these projects can be found in the 
latter part of this chapter. 
C. Subsystem and Component Development 
New subsystems, component developments, 
and pilot developments will be undertaken by 
government, industry, and the academic commu- 
nity. These tasks may be performed at a facility 
provided by a National Project or by application 
of information and experience originating from a 
project. Results will supply information, experi- 
ence, skills, and confidence applicable to opera- 
tional systems. The responsibility and cost of a 
task will be borne by the interested group or 
mission agency. 
VI-222 
D. Operational Systems 
Operational systems will be built by the inter- 
ested group and operated to achieve expected 
benefits. For example, a commercial firm might 
establish a large scale shrimp raising operation for 
profit, based on advances in technology resulting 
from the national fisheries and aquaculture pro- 
gram. 
E. Expected Benefits 
Expected benefits from each National Project 
are highlighted in each project description. These 
benefits will accrue in many areas, including 
economic, social, political, scientific, and military. 
Il. DESCRIPTION OF NATIONAL PROJECTS 
The essence of each suggested National Project 
is outlined on the following pages, together with a 
pictorial representation of the more significant 
elements. The projects are described in some detail 
but considerable additional studies and trade-offs 
must be conducted before a given project is 
considered firm. It is expected that the advisory 
committee recommended by the panel will review 
projects prior to initiation to recommend their 
goals and sponsoring agency. National Projects 
have the following characteristics: 
—Scope sufficient to engender widespread usage 
and support by many sectors of the economy. 
—Established in anticipation of future national 
needs. 
—Challenging for a spectrum of technology and 
disciplines. 
—Conservative enough to assure success. 
—Capable of providing education and training. 
—Generally in need of major U.S. Government 
participation. 
These National Projects have been developed, 
reviewed, and evaluated with emphasis on the 
ultimate expected benefits, avoiding projects that 
would be mere spectacular performances. The 
primary orientation of some projects is industrial, 
while others are directed more toward military, 
scientific, and regional needs. 
