concern. Due to the lack of reliable data on the status of 

 the affected stocks, the Commission recommended that the 

 permit not be issued for northern fur seals and northern sea 

 lions. It also recommended that an ecosystem protection zone 

 closed to gill net fishing by the Federation be established 

 around the Aleutian Islands. Issuance of the permit was 

 opposed by Greenpeace and the Kokechik and Qaluyaat Fisher- 

 men's Associations. The National Marine Fisheries Service 

 supported the issuance of a five-year permit to take annually 

 up to 4,200 Dall's porpoise and 450 fur seals from the 

 Commander Islands stock. 



Following the submission of reply briefs from the 

 parties early in 1987, the Administrative Law Judge is to 

 issue a recommended decision. A final decision of the appli- 

 cation by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 

 Atmospheric Administration should be issued in time for the 

 next fishing season, which is scheduled to begin in June 

 1987. 



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