The key question is: how does the FWS cope with this complex web of 

 statutory responsibilities over endangered species, migratory birds, marine 

 mammals, anadromous fish, and the developmental threats to fish and wildlife? 

 The best way to cope is to identify the key resources and the key threats 

 and to allocate our resources accordingly. 



For example, if the problem is loss of key bottomland hardwoods to 

 agriculture, we try to apply 404 permit protection. If that fails, we con- 

 sider acquisition and refuge management. We have a wider range of tools than 

 we have ever had before for dealing with these problems. In the case of oil 

 and hazardous substance spill response, unfortunately, we become involved 

 when prevention has not worked. But it is one more contribution we can make 

 towards protecting fish and wildlife. 



THE FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY 



I would like to close with this thought. Too often, some of us in the 

 FWS have difficulty giving a clear answer to the question, "why are we doing 

 this?" It is easy to say that we protect fish and wildlife because we think 

 that fish and wildlife are important, we think that they are part of some 

 complex ecological web, or we believe that it is our statutory responsibility. 



Our response can be summarized as follows. The benefits of protection 

 are widespread. There are many types of habitat and many species which can 

 only be protected by strong Federal action. The protection of anadromous 

 fish streams far inland helps the commercial fisherman at sea. The protec- 

 tion of prairie potholes helps the hunter and the recreationist in 

 Louisiana. The costs are widespread as well. The destruction of a mid- 

 Atlantic estuary can affect the striped bass fishery off Rhode Island. The 

 pollution upstream certainly can affect the coastal shrimp industry. 



Strong Federal action to protect fish and wildlife is grounded in our 

 Constitution and is consistent with the economic and political structure in 

 this country. Without FWS vigorous action and advocacy, fish and wildlife 

 resources would be in much worse shape. Therefore, as FWS personnel we 

 expect you to protect and manage our fish and wildlife resources when 

 impacted by oil and hazardous substance spills because you are capable and 

 we depend on you. 



