Analysis of the Possible Use of Mitochondrial DNA for 

 Determining Discreteness of Bottlenose Dolphin Populations 

 (W. M. Brown, Ph.D., and T. E. Dowling, Ph.D., University of 

 Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan) 



In December 1984, the Commission provided support for a 

 feasibility study to determine whether analysis of mitochon- 

 drial DNA could be used to identify discrete populations of 

 marine mammals. The investigators analyzed mitochondrial DNA 

 in tissue samples collected from bottlenose dolphins in 

 several coastal areas in the United States. The results were 

 promising and, in 1986, the Commission provided additional 

 funds to assist in obtaining and analyzing tissues from a 

 larger and more representative sample of animals. If 

 successful, the study will provide a powerful new tool to 

 help determine whether marine mammals from different 

 geographic areas are from the same or different breeding 

 populations. 



Review of Information Concerning the Possible Effects of 

 Salmon and Other Fisheries on Dall's Porpoise Populations in 

 the North Pacific 



(D. G. Chapman, Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle, 

 Washington, and F. T. Awbrey, Ph.D., San Diego State 

 University, San Diego, California) 



An Administrative Law Judge hearing was held in Seattle, 

 Washington, on 1-7 December 1986 to review information 

 related to the Federation of Japan Cooperative Fisheries 

 Association's application for a permit authorizing the inci- 

 dental take of Dall's porpoise during fishing operations in 

 the North Pacific. To help prepare evidence and other docu- 

 ments for the Administrative Law Judge's review of the permit 

 application, the contractors and the Committee of Scientific 

 Advisors on Marine Mammals reviewed and provided advice on 

 scientific/technical matters contained in background docu- 

 ments, testimony prepared and submitted by other parties in 

 advance of the hearing and briefs filed by parties after the 

 hearing. In addition, Dr. Chapman prepared and presented 

 expert testimony on behalf of the Commission. In 1987, the 

 contractors will continue to review and provide advice on 

 scientific and technical aspects of this matter. 



Development of a Computerized System for Storing and 

 Selectively Retrieving Marine Mammal Literature Citations 

 (W. A. Watkins, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 

 Woods Hole, Massachusetts) 



While there are thousands of scientific papers, reports, 

 and other documents bearing upon the conservation and protec- 

 tion of marine mammals, their usefulness depends, in no small 

 measure, upon their accessibility. With this in mind, the 



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