Dr. John C. Bugher _ Karl M, Wilbur Teor MBN kagust 29, 1952 PURMANEMT BICLOOY PROGRAY POR TRE ENINETOK AREA I thougit yeu would be interested te know what steps vere being teken by the Biology Branch following your suggestion that a permanent biclogy program be planned whieh would inelude the wtilisation of the Japtan installations, Preparatory to the formation of a progran it hes seemed wise te make inycirles concerninr the interest of bBiclogists in carry~ ing cut atudies in that ersa, In order that we might have orinions from organizations sponsoring work in the Pecifie, I heve had informal diseuesions with Dr, Sidmey Galler of the Biology Branch of OMR and with Mr, Harald Coalidge, exeeutive direetor of the Pasifie Seienee Board, Dr. Galler pointed out the need for fundemental studies in merins biology and expressed consideradle interest fn an AfC pregra: vhich might provide impetus ant encouragement in this direction, OBR has set ur an advisory camittee on hydrobiology te consider research programs in this general field. ‘Dr. Gallar has offered the services of this committee if the need should arise. He has also furnished 7 ia a list of persona in Pacific Coast laboratories who are carrying out research in marine biology. Mr, Coolidge vas also enthusiastic abdcut the possibility of making available laboratory facilities for biologists working in the Paeifie and felt confident thet a ecneiderable number of investigators vould wish to make use of them, The Pasifie Researeh Board vas organired in 1946 by the Betional Research Couneil for the purpose of coordinat— ing and sponsoring work in several research fields including oceanography, marine biology, and plant sciences and in providing [ information and administrative assistance to government agencies and other organisations carrying out research in the Pasifie. Mr. Coolidge has expressed a willingness to cooperate in any way posaible Their eomnittee on marine biology will meet at the Seripps Institute in October and a representstive of this division vill be invited to attend and will be veleome to disouss any matters whieh he night wish \ \