Analysis of Data, Models, and Procedures Used to Regulate 
Commercial Whaling 
(William Clark, University of Washington) 
Commercial whaling has been poorly regulated and has 
led to the depletion and near extinction of several species 
and populations of large whales. Although regulation has 
been improved substantially in recent years, there still is 
considerable doubt as to the reliability of data, assumptions, 
procedures, and models being used by the International 
Whaling Commission and its Scientific Committee to assess 
the status of exploited whale populations and to establish 
allowable catch levels. The purpose of this study, initiated 
in 1979, is to review and evaluate the reliability of data, 
models, and procedures being used to assess the status of 
exploited whale populations and to establish allowable catch 
levels. The Commission will review the contractor's report 
and, aS appropriate, advise the National Marine Fisheries 
Service and the U.S. Commissioner to the International 
Whaling Commission as to actions that should be taken to 
improve the data base and/or the models and procedures being 
used to estimate the status of exploited whale populations 
and allowable catch levels. 
Evaluation of Marine Ecosystems Research in the Antarctic 
(National Academy of Sciences) 
Available information on the biology and ecology of 
whales, seals, krill, and other components of the Southern 
Ocean ecosystem is insufficient to accurately predict the 
direct and indirect effects of either the developing krill 
fishery or activities associated with exploration for and 
exploitation of offshore oil and gas in the Antarctic. 
Likewise, on-going and planned research programs seem inadequate 
to detect the direct and indirect effects of developing 
fisheries and possible offshore oil and gas development. 
Therefore, the Marine Mammal Commission took the lead in 
providing support and developing additional support among 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
National Science Foundation for the National Academy of 
Sciences to conduct a review and evaluation of marine ecosystems 
research in the Antarctic (see Chapter IX for additional 
background). The report from the study is expected in the 
fall of 1981, and will be used to determine whether and how 
the U.S. Antarctic Research Program should be revised 
and/or expanded to better assess and monitor the effects of 
fishery development and possible offshore oil and gas development 
in the Antarctic. 
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