[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 164 (Friday, November 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            BIOLUMINESCENCE

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                            HON. MARK FOLEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2001

  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my appreciation to 
the chairman for his recommendation of funding for bioluminescence 
measurement and signature detection in the Navy RDT&E account in this 
bill.
  This is an evolving area of knowledge which has very important 
military applications.
  Many of my colleagues know that plankton in the world's oceans give 
off light flashes when stimulated by movement in the water by objects 
such as ships, submarines and swimmers. This ever-present phenomenon 
represents a powerful detection tool for anti-submarine and mine 
warfare.
  We can utilize this phenomenon for detection of opposing forces--but 
we must also be aware of it to protect our own operations. For 
example--it is my understanding that--a Navy SEAL team in Operation 
Desert Storm was forced to alter its landing site because of concern 
that bioluminescence in the intended landing area would reveal the 
team's presence.
  At present--bioluminescence is detected and measured by a device 
developed at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in my 
district.
  Because of the cost and size of this first-generation measuring 
equipment--only three have been produced. The funding I have requested 
and the Committee has approved would fund a program involving Harbor 
Branch scientists which would develop measuring equipment small enough 
to be launched from a rubber raft and inexpensive enough to be utilized 
in large numbers. Only such an expendable version offers the hope of 
accurately measuring bioluminescence in all the militarily-important 
regions of the world.
  This is an important initiative which will take advantage of the 
expertise at Harbor Branch for the benefit of our military.
  I again thank the chairman for recommending this funding and express 
my hope that this item will be preserved in conference.

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