Marine Policy Center (MPC)
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The Marine Policy Center (MPC) is the social science research unit of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). MPC’s research integrates social sciences, such as economics and policy analysis, with WHOI’s basic strength in ocean sciences. Current research focuses on issues such as progress in science and technology, access to and control of marine resources, and conservation and environmental protection. While MPC’s research is based in rigorous academic disciplines, much of it is applied in nature and motivated by current issues in marine resource management and marine industries.
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Technical ReportRemote sensing in the coastal and marine environment : proceedings of the first U. S. North Atlantic regional workshop held at the W. Alton Jones campus, University of Rhode Island, May 30-June 1, 1979(Center for Ocean Management Studies, University of Rhode Island and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1980) Zaitzeff, James B. ; Cornillon, Peter ; Aubrey, David G.The First U.S. North Atlantic Regional Workshop on Remote Sensing in the Coastal and Marine Environment was held at the W. Alton Jones Campus, University of Rhode Island, May 30- June 1, 1979. The objectives of the meeting were to determine and document regional user needs for marine environmental data that might be acquired by remote sensing and to further the interchange of information between the developers of remote sensing technology, suppliers of remote sensing data products, and users of coastal and marine information. The workshop was structured to expose coastal specialists and users of marine data to the potentials of remote sensing and to provide a mechanism through which representatives of the remote sensing community might gain knowledge of the priorities of the potential users. A mutual awareness of the perspectives of each group is essential for beginning a dialogue and for overcoming one of the major obstacles to technology transfer - communications. In planning the remote sensing workshop, a committee was organized to insure a balanced review of the technology and to invite the involvement of the user community. The members of t;1e planning committee represented scientific, private, and federal interests. The activity documented in this report consists of invited presentations that were grouped in the following categories: (1) a technical orientation of earth resources remote sensing, including data sources and processing, (2) a review of the present status of remote sensing -technology applicable to the coastal and marine environment, (3) a description of data and information needs of selected coastal and marine activities and (4) an outline of plans for marine monitoring systems for the U.S. East Coast and a concept for an East Coast remote sensing facility. In addition to these invited presentations, one of the evening sessions was devoted to three working groups that addressed user needs and remote sensing potentials in the areas of coastal processes and management, commercial and recreational fisheries, and marine physical processes. The results of these working group sessions were presented and discussed on the morning of the final day. The recommendations of the workshop, which are provided in the executive summary and in the body of this document, represent a cross-section of needs for present and future consideration for remote sensing data. They concern improvement in addressing user remote sensing data needs, defining deficiencies, and in specifying research areas. The two and one-half day meeting provided an effective mechanism for establishing new dialogue between operational and research regional marine data users and the appropriate federal agencies and private interests developing remote sensing technology. Participants in this workshop reflected a cross section of U.S. North Atlantic interests, with representation from state, federal, academic research, and commercial activities. The ultimate goal of the workshop will be continued input and association with remote sensing programs by the marine user.
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Technical ReportGeorges Bank : an annotated bibliography of atlases, inventories and map series(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1981-05) Price, Richard L.The bibliography reviews inventory-like studies of the Georges Bank region and presents information on the scope of the work, topics treated, geographic area of concern, and audience. The primary purpose was to evaluate the nature and type of maps used in the works reviewed so the notations include the number of maps, their formats and scales, cartographic quality and base map content .
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Technical ReportSmall-scale commercial fishing in southern New England(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1981-08) Peterson, Susan B. ; Smith, Leah J.This description of the small-scale sector of the Southern New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) fishery includes information on the fishermen (their ages, education, experience, occupational training, family involvement and reasons for fishing) and the physical characteristics of the fleet (the boats and gear). Fishing patterns are analyzed by species, geographical areas and seasons. The economic structure of small-scale fishing is described in terms of investment, net and gross earnings, fuel costs, crew payments systems and marketing arrangements. Management implications of this information and analyses are included.
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Technical ReportBibliography of socio-economic studies : fisheries of the northeast U.S.(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1981-11) Ladner, Rosamund ; Smith, Leah J. ; Peterson, Susan B. ; Wilson, JamesThis bibliography of social and economic studies of the fisheries of the Northeast United States (Maine to North Carolina) includes annotated listings for each entry and an index of key words for cross-referencing. We have attempted to include all studies published since 1970, and a selected group of particularly significant studies done earlier. The major focus has been on commercial fisheries, but recreational fishing studies have also been included when possible. In addition to studies of the Northeast United States fisheries, studies of Canadian fishing subsidies, European and other markets, have been included because of their relevance to the regional industry. All stages of the fishing industry's operation - harvesting, processing, distribution, marketing - are included, along with management and policy oriented material.
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Technical ReportWorkshop on Cooperative International Marine Affairs(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1982-08) Broadus, James M. ; Knecht, Robert W. ; Ross, David A. ; Shusterich, Kurt M. ; Silva, Maynard E.This report details the results of a workshop held at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHO!) on April 20-21, 1982. The workshop, part of an effort by the Marine Policy and Ocean Management Program (MPOM) of WHO! intended to assist interested developing countries in formulating strategies for ocean resource use and management within their new 200-rnile exclusive economic zones. The effort, presently called the Cooperative International Marine Affairs Program (CIMAP), began in November of 1981 after the William H. Donner Foundation of New York City responded favorably to a proposal submitted by Dr. David A. Ross, Director of MPOM.
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Technical ReportThe impact of the Law of the Sea Conference on U.S. marine scientific research : report on a questionnaire(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1983-05) Ross, David A. ; Ladner, Rosamund ; Early, Julie A.Because of the Law of the Sea Conference and other factors there recently has been a continuing expansion in the legal, economic, and scientific control over the ocean by coastal countries. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey mailed to U.S. marine scientists, soliciting their experiences during the last decade in conducting research in the coastal waters of foreign countries and their expectations for the future. Tables present the countries where research had been conducted, methods of and difficulties in obtaining clearance from foreign governments, the affect of foreign rules on design, planning and execution of research, and areas of interest for future research. Fifty-eight percent of the seventy-two respondents (136 originally sent) had encountered difficulties in obtaining permission to work in foreign coastal waters. Forty-nine percent anticipate that Law of the Sea Treaty requirements may cause such problems for them in the future. The respondents made comments and recommendations bearing on future U.S. marine research in foreign waters. One set of tables presents results for the total group; another set presents results for subgroups of those in particular scientific disciplines.
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Technical ReportOil, shrimp, mangroves : an evaluation of contingency planning of the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1983-10) Pires Filho, Ivon d'AlmeidaThe possibility of finding oil in the Gulf of Guayaquil has led several Ecuadorian agencies to prepare contingency plans to deal with the eventuality of an oil spill in the area. This report characterizes the importance of the oil and fisheries industries to the Ecuadorian economy, and describes the region where these activities may conflict. It also elaborates on the biological effects of oil in tropical environments, and on aspects of prevention, control/clean-up and oil spill contingency planning. Compensation for oil pollution damages and methods for damage assessment are also discussed herein. The analysis comments on specific issues of the Ecuadorian plans, such as their oil spill- response organization and operational guidelines. It notes the willingness of the government and industry to handle the problem jointly and to do so prior to actual oil production. The combination of control/clean-up methods considered demonstrates the seriousness and sophistication of these plans. However, the planning process seems to overly rely on these clean-up measures as an antidote to oil spills. This report emphasizes prevention as the cheapest and the most efficient approach to protect the marine environment and resources of the Gulf of Guayaquil from oil pollution damages.
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Technical ReportThe management of ocean and coastal resources in Colombia : an assessment(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1984-06) Knecht, Robert W. ; Cicin-Sain, Biliana ; Broadus, James M. ; Silva, Maynard E. ; Bowen, Robert E. ; Marcus, Henry S. ; Peterson, Susan B.This report summarizes the results of an 18-month study of coastal and marine resources development in Colombia. The study was a result of a request by the Direccion General Maritima y Portuaria (DIMAR) of the Colombian Navy to the Marine Policy and Ocean Management Center of WHOI and was carried out jointly with that group. Observations of the present situation and potential for four sectors are presented--fisheries and aquaculture, marine minerals and energy, marine transportation and ports, and tourism and coastal development. The coastal tourism and fisheries sectors appear to be the most promising in terms of near-term potential. Suggestions for achieving increased economic and social benefits from these sectors are provided. In addition, institutional arrangements among the ocean-related agencies in Colombia are reviewed and recommendations aimed at achieving a higher degree of policy integration are offered.
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Technical ReportManejo de recursos costeros y marinos para las Islas Galapagos(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1984-10) Broadus, James M. ; Pires, Ivon A. ; Gaines, Arthur G. ; Bailey, Connor ; Knecht, Robert W. ; Cicin-Sain, BilianaEste informe describe brevemente los usos y problemas de los recursos costeros y marinos en Galapagos, discute los principios generales del manejo de la zona costera y de los recursos marinos, examina la situaci6n actual del manejo de estos recursos en Galapagos, y ofrece observaciones sobre posibles medidas para su mejoramiento. El archipielago ha sido por largo tiempo el objeto de interes cientffico mundial. La creciente demanda sobre los recursos costeros y marinos de las Galapagos, para servir a su poblaci6n en aumento y al turismo, potencialmente lucrativo, da la pauta sobre la necesidad de prestar mayor atenci6n al manejo de estos recursos. Los asuntos y problemas costeros y marinos en Galapagos que pueden ser tratados en un proceso de manejo incluyen: conservaci6n de la biota y los habitats excepcionales de las islas; turismo; desarrollo de areas portuarias; eliminacion de desperdicios; extraccion de recursos; y pesca. Los elementos basicos de un sistema de manejo de zona costera y de recursos marinas existen actualmente en Galapagos, pero tienen un funcionamiento ad hoc y no coordinado. Se describen actuales y posibles ambigliedades o conflictos entre la Marina/Capitanfas de Puerto, las municipalidades, el Parque Nacional, la entidad de desarrollo para Galapagos (INGALA), y otras dependiancias. Se propane un sistema de manejo de dos zonas para los recursos costeros y marinos. Este sistema evita el establecimiento de nuevas sistemas de linderos y instituciones, adaptandose en cambio a la situaci6n actual. Cuatro mecanismos potenciales se identifican: un enfoque de cooperacion administrativa; un consejo de zona costera y recursos marinos; una serie de convenios entre las instituciones representativas; y la aplicaci6n de incentivos. Se discute la posibilidad de la creacion de una area marina protegida, incluyendo razones fundamentales para su establecimiento, su designacion y organizacion, jurisdicciones, linderos y zonificacion, y protecci6n de usos tradicionales.
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Technical ReportCoastal and marine resources management for the Galapagos Islands(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1984-10) Broadus, James M. ; Pires, Ivon A. ; Gaines, Arthur G. ; Bailey, Connor ; Knecht, Robert W. ; Cicin-Sain, BilianaThe report briefly describes coastal and marine resource uses and problems in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, discusses general principles of coastal zone management (CZM) and marine resources management (MRM), examines the current status of CZM and MRM in the Galapagos Islands, and offers observations on possible avenues for improvement. The archipelago has long been the object of worldwide scientific interest. Increased demands on its coastal and marine resources, to serve a growing resident population and to accommodate potentially lucrative tourism, signal a need for greater attention to the management of these resources. Coastal and marine affairs and problems in the Galapagos which can be addressed by a CZM/MRM process include: conservation of the Islands' unique biota and habitats; tourism; port development; waste disposal; resource extraction; and fisheries. The basic elements of a CZM and MRM system are already in place in the Galapagos, but they are uncoordinated and largely ad hoc in nature. Existing and potential jurisdictional ambiguities or conflicts between the Navy/Port Captaincies, the municipalities, the National Park, the development agency for the Galapagos (INGALA) and other organizations are described. A two-zone management scheme for coastal and marine resources is outlined. It avoids the establishment of complicated new systems of boundaries and institutions, instead adapting itself to the existing situation. Four possible mechanisms for improved coordination are identified: cooperative management; a coastal zone and marine resources council; a series of agreements ("convenios") between relevant agencies; and application of incentives. The possible creation of a marine protected area is discussed, including rationale for the area's establishment, its designation and organization, jurisdictions, boundaries and zoning, and the protection of traditional uses.
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Technical ReportThe recruitment and application of scientific information in coastal and marine resources management : analogs to the Galapagos Islands(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1985-05) McCreary, Scott T.This report discusses the recruitment and use of scientific information for coastal resources management in archipelagos, the Cape Verde Islands and the Republic of the Seychelles, that share certain features with the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Three international coastal resources management programs -- the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), the Eastern Caribbean Natural Areas Management Program (ECNAMP), and the UNEP Regional Seas Programs -- are also examined for relevance to the Galapagos case. For each archipelago, the report presents a brief national profile, summarizes major resource issues, describes the roles scientists have played in coastal management, assesses the outcomes of scientific involvement, and outlines possible barriers to the use of information. The scientific community has had a limited presence in Cape Verde, except in the fisheries sector where fish landings and export values have climbed in response to technical assistance and innovation. There has been very little progress on species protection, designation of natural areas, or integration of environmental concerns in development sectors. The Seychelles have many features in common with the Galapagos. Integration of scientific information there has been strongest in species protection, special area designation, and preparation of resource inventories. A mutual exchange of information between the Seychelles and Ecuador may benefit both countries. The three international programs vary in their geographic scope, formality, and precision. ECNAMP has made impressive contributions to site planning, but is not likely to be a promising model for archipelago-wide management. The Southeast Pacific Regional Seas Program, a general and voluntary consortium of nations under UNEP sponsorship, may present a useful framework in which to cooperate with Ecuador's neighbors. The MAB program has sponsored designation of dozens of biosphere reserves worldwide and specific projects emphasizing tourism/endemic species interaction. MAB may provide a useful network for information exchange.
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Technical ReportPatent activity in the seabed mining industry(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1985-05) Hoagland, PorterPatent issues are one way to observe the behavior of private firms and government agencies at a formative stage in an industry's development when, for strategic reasons, these participants are careful about disclosing details of their activities. The seabed mining industry is a good example of an industry in its formative stages. This industry has been characterized in large part by the research and development (R&D) of technology to recover minerals from deep ocean polymetallic nodules and to process them metallurgically into metal products. The nearly 400 seabed mining patents that have been granted worldwide are a rough measure of this R&D activity. Patent issues can reveal several interesting aspects of an industry: (a) the identity of participants; (b) the generic type of technology; (c) the technological concentration of patent holders; (d) the technological integration of patent holders; and (e) the timing of inventive activity. In some cases, industrial motivations and strategies may be inferred from these aspects . Moreover, seabed mining might be subject to the cyclical fluctuations of markets for the metals contained in polymetallic nodules. Patent activity could provide some insight into the nature of a possible seabed mining industry cycle.
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Technical ReportAn economics primer for coastal zone management : basic concepts and methods from microeconomics, public finance, and environmental and resource economics(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1986-01) Edwards, Steven F.While the economic impacts of resource use pervade discussions of coastal zone management, most discourses tend to be ill-defined and incomplete, and to lack a solid basis in economic theory. This primer was written to eliminate this confusion for those non-economists who seek insight into economic thought and into how economic analysis can contribute to coastal zone management. The first half of the report introduces readers to basic concepts and analytical methods in microeconomics, public finance, and environmental and resource economics. The foundation for monetary valuations becomes apparent as the concepts are explained. The realization that neither markets nor prices are required for economic valuations is an important result of the explication. Consequently, one can assess losses associated with pollution, reduced access, and so on in units that are commensurable with market-oriented development. The second half of the primer inculcates these basic concepts and methods through (1) critiques of several stereotypical, pseudoeconomic arguments, (2) a case study of the benefits of protecting water quality for recreation, and (3) a benefit-cost analysis of a hypothetical acquisition program that is intended to protect groundwater quality, to protect opportunities for aquatic recreation, and to reduce the growth in traffic.
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Technical ReportA bibliographic listing of coastal and marine protected areas : a global survey(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1986-01) Silva, Maynard E. ; Gately, Ellen M. ; Desilvestre, IngridThis document is the result of a survey of over 600 books, articles, technical reports and personal correspondence reviewing approximately 1,000 coastal and marine protected areas in 87 countries and, in turn, was intended to support a larger project that had been undertaken by the Marine Policy and Ocean Management Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in conjunction with the Government of Ecuador to consider the establishment of protected status for the marine area of the Galapagos Archipelago. To provide background for this larger project, a review of existing or proposed marine protect ed areas was initiated. This bibliographic listing is one result of this review.
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Technical ReportProceedings of the Workshop on Fisheries Sociology : April 26-27, 1985, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1986-09) Bailey, Connor ; Harris, Criag K. ; Heaton, Clayton ; Ladner, RosamundFrom the Forward: The idea for an Exploratory Workshop on Fisheries Sociology emerged from informal discussions held at the 1983 Rural Sociological Society meetings. Planning for the Exploratory Workshop was undertaken by the two of us (Bailey and Harris) with the assistance of Peter Sinclair and Christopher Vanderpool. We sought to identify persons working in different areas of the sociology of fisheries who could present review papers on their areas of inquiry. The papers in this volume are the result of that effort. At the same time, we sought to identify persons who would be interested in attending such a workshop• By combining our personal networks, the mailing list of the Fisheries Anthropologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service (Peter Fricke), and the list of attendees at two sessions on fisheries organized by Bailey at the 1984 Rural Sociological Society meetings, we developed a mailing list of 83 sociologists working on some aspect of fisheries. Invitations to attend the workshop were sent to those persons. In response to the invitation, 24 sociologists attended the Workshop. They came from eleven states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, three provinces of Canada, and Norway. They represented work in both industrialized and developing nations, in subsistence, recreational and commercial fisheries, and in aquaculture.
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Technical ReportSCUBA diving in the Galápagos Islands : a study of diving safety with recommendations(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1987-06) Rioux, Margaret A. ; Rioux, Terrence M.The marine environment surrounding Ecuador's Galapagos Islands consists of diverse ecosystems populated by a rich and varied array of organisms. A growing awareness of the unique attributes and scientific importance of this marine resource has spurred increases in scientific research, prompted the Government of Ecuador to establish a marine reserve within the islands and enabled tourist companies to attract recreational divers. The first section of this report summarizes the development and status of diving within the islands. Special attention is paid to the tourist industry which is responsible for promoting and overseeing most of the diving activities in the islands. The second section presents suggestions to strengthen diver and environmental protection. Specific topics addressed include: a brief description of diving conditions and the recommended levels of diving skill, qualifications and training of naturalist diving guides, a discussion of medical treatment available within the islands, a description of facilities for hyperbaric treatment of diving injuries along with their locations a·nd evacuation procedures.
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Technical ReportSeabed material commodity and resource summaries(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1987-10) Hoagland, Porter ; Broadus, James M.Over the past five years, research on marine minerals conducted by the Marine Policy Center at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has attempted to gain a better understanding of the process by which these minerals are brought into productive use in society. This technical report results from concentrated research conducted by a research team under the primary sponsorship of the National Sea Grant College Program. This report provides background documentation for the recent publication: J.M. Broadus, 1987, "Seabed Materials," Science 235(4791): 853-860. It is organized to lead the user directly to sources that may provide further information on particular seabed materials. Several presentations of data in the report are of use in understanding the fundamentals of marine mineral markets including: descriptions of the size of the marine mineral resource base and the size of the markets for onshore and offshore sources of marine minerals; price series for minerals with prospective seabed sources; composite prices for four marine mineral types; consumption and price "elasticities" of mineral reserves; trends in mineral exploration inputs and U.S. federal government expenditures for marine nonfuel resources; maps of existing, proposed, or past entitlements for marine hard minerals; a list of known marine polymetallic sulfide (MPS) deposits and reported grades; world trade flows in zinc and copper; the value of apparent consumption in the United States in relation to imports and recycling; and a bibliography.
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Technical ReportThe Soviet maritime Arctic : proceedings of a workshop held May 10-13, 1987 by the Marine Policy Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1988-01) Brigham, Lawson W. ; Gately, Ellen M.This report is a summary of an international workshop on the Soviet Maritime Arctic held May 10-13, 1987 by the Marine Policy Center of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Twenty-eight scholars from Canada, Great Britain, Norway and the United States participated. The workshop provided a forum for Western scholars to examine and discuss Soviet domestic and international policies regarding the Arctic Ocean. Interdisciplinary workshop sessions addressed the following concerns: strategic, geographic, historical, legal, scientific, technological, transportation, geopolitical and resource development. This report includes an overview of the workshop, 15 abstracts of contributed papers (8 with figures or tables), and an edited transcript of the concluding discussion session. Appendices include the final program, a list of participants and a list of discussion questions contributed by the participants prior to the workshop. Several key findings of the workshop include: more than 500 years of Russian involvement in the Arctic Ocean; USSR operation of the world's largest polar fleet primarily for transportation and resource development; Russian nationalism as a possible driving force in Soviet activity in the Arctic; Soviet concerns for the Arctic representing an amalgamation of interests (economic, security, environmental, resource, others), none of which alone is predominant; probable Soviet participation in international Arctic regimes based on past actions; and, Soviet legislative enactments which indicate that the balance of interests embodied in the Law of the Sea Convention are largely acceptable to the Soviet Union and that extreme doctrinal views on the legal status of polar seas do not enjoy support in law or State practice.
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Technical ReportA broad-scale profile of the marine advanced technology industry(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1988-03) Kite-Powell, Hauke L.Within the maritime sector of the United States economy, in which many industries are largely moribund (shipbuilding), flagging (international shipping), or often in disarray (fisheries), electronic marine instrumentation stands out as a field showing outstanding growth performance and potential. Marine instrumentation may well be an area of international competition in which United States companies can achieve sustained growth. While U.S. companies have been playing a dominant role in this market in the past, virtually no systematic study has been devoted to the sources or durability of their competitive advantage, or to the steps that might be taken to promote their future competitiveness. A Marine Policy Center project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Massachusetts Centers of Excellence Corporation (MCEC) is now beginning to provide some of this information. The Marine Policy Center project is attempting to describe and analyze the industry structure and competitive position of U.S. marine electronics companies. The first cut at a definition of the marine advanced technology industry detailed in this technical report represents part of the background research for this project. Complementary studies by researchers at Florida State University and Hawaii's Oceanic Institute will project areas of future market potential for marine electronic instrumentation. By building on and refining the industry profile presented in this technical report,the NOAA/MCEC project will provide greater insight into the important features of the "high technology" sector of the U.S. marine industry, and into the factors that determine its competitive position in the American and international markets. The resulting understanding of the industry will enable industry and government to make better informed policy decisions to nurture the continuing viability and competitiveness of U.S. marine electronics firms in the years to come.
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Technical ReportDetermining the structure of the United States marine instrumentation industry and its position in the world industry(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1988-11) Broadus, James M. ; Hoagland, Porter ; Kite-Powell, Hauke L.This report is a general, but comprehensive, description and analysis of industrial organization in the field of marine electronic instrumentation (MEl), a broadly defined "industry," which until now has received little systematic, scholarly attention. The report reviews the current literature on international trade and competitiveness, as well as trade and scientific journals relevant to the industry. The resul ts of a series of interviews with representatives of the industry and responsible government agencies are presented and industry and government data on R&D and output have been collected and analyzed together with other indicators of industrial performance. On the basis of these sources, the structure of the industry and its markets is characterized and the importance of marine electronic instrumenation in international high technology trade is established. Over 350 firms in the U.S. industry are identified, which annually earn total estimated gross revenues of approximately $5 billion. These firms fall into three largely distinct industry groups: (1) defense systems contractors; (2) commercial marine electronics; and (3) scientific instrumentation. The first group is by far the largest in sales volume and is oligopolistic in structure, consisting of a few large rivals for infrequent and complex defense systems contracts. The other groups are more purely competitive. Four major customer groups are distinguished: (1) military; (2) commercial and recreational shipping and boating; (3) offshore oil and gas; and (4) oceanographic/environmental. Most of the firms in the industry face international competititon. The importance of marine electronic instrumentation to technological advance and economic activity in the world's oceans is strongly apparent. Parameters affecting the international competitiveness of firms in this industry, including those relating to industry structure and behavior and governmental practices and institutions such as sponsored research, procurement, intellectual property rights, tax allowances, antitrust enforcement, small business encouragements, export controls, import restrictions, exchange rates, and technology transfer are summarized. A number of issues relating to international competititon, economic analysis, and government policy that are fruitful areas for further research also are identified.