383 



The United States is well represented at this time to AMAP 

 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National 

 Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , But we 

 must assure adequate support for involvement of the National 

 Marine Fisheries (NMF) , the United States Fish and Wildlife 

 (USFW) , the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) , and the United 

 States Department of Energy (DOE) . We must also assure 

 appropriate support for key agencies and activities in Alaska. 



During this conference, lots of attention was given to thfe 

 concept of "management for sustainability. " While most focus 

 was given to subsistence resources, I believe we should expand 

 this concept to "management for sustainability of arctic 

 people. " 



At this time, we have great concerns about the impact of 

 environmental contaminants on human health. Contamination of 

 the food chain is a major potential threat to subsistence and 

 the sustainability of arctic people. 



We must respond with adequate resources, good science, and 

 involvement of local arctic people who are impacted. We must 

 empower individuals so they can make informed decisions about 

 their lives and lifestyles. 



At this time, although our data are incomplete, we, know 

 that there are not likely to be any serious adverse health 

 impacts in the short term. Available data do not show any 

 recent increase in levels of contaminants in subsistence foods — 

 fish and marine mammals. Available data do not show recent 

 increases in levels of contaminants in arctic people. 



(3) 



