Estimation of the Size and Species Composition of 

 Porpoise Schools in the Eastern Tropical Pacific 

 (National Marine Fisheries Service) 



Reliable estimates of the size and species composition 

 of porpoise schools in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean 

 are needed to assess the effects of incidental taking of 

 porpoise in the yellowfin tuna purse seine fishery. The 

 National Marine Fisheries Service and the Inter-American 

 Tropical Tuna Commission have collected photographs and 

 other data on porpoise schools in the eastern tropical 

 Pacific, but have not had sufficient personnel or funds to 

 fully analyze the data. The Commission therefore transferred 

 funds to the National Marine Fisheries Service to contract 

 with appropriately qualified scientists to complete the data 

 analysis. The contractor's report will be used by the 

 National Marine Fisheries Service, in consultation with the 

 Marine Mammal Commission, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna 

 Commission, and the Porpoise Rescue Foundation, to help 

 develop better estimates of the status of porpoise stocks 

 affected by the yellowfin tuna purse seine fishery. 



Assessment of Issues Bearing Upon Marine Mammals in Alaska 

 (J. W. Lentfer) 



The National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service have lead Federal responsibility for protecting 

 and conserving the wide variety of marine mammals that 

 inhabit or migrate through the coastal waters of Alaska. 

 Other Federal agencies such as the Minerals Management 

 Service, State agencies such as the Alaska Department of 

 Fish and Game, and other entities such as the Alaska Eskimo 

 Whaling Commission are involved with marine mammals as well. 

 Planning and coordination among all involved organizations 

 as well as responsiveness of the Federal Government to 

 initiatives from certain of the groups have not always been 

 what might be desired. The contractor, through consultation 

 with representatives of the above-mentioned groups and 

 others, is preparing a report in which he will analyze the 

 present situation and set forth steps that might be taken by 

 the Commission and others to improve planning, coordination, 

 and responsiveness. 



Assessment of Possible Mechanisms for Protecting Areas 

 of Special Biological Importance to Manatees 

 (D. Gluckman) 



Identification and protection of feeding areas, breeding 

 areas, and other areas of similar biological importance are 

 essential to assure the continued existence of the West 



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