Appendix A — Commission Recommendations 
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determined with a statistical method that assumes catch of species is distributed evenly among 
participating vessels; further noting that, because catch is highly aggregated for certain species, the 
observer coverage required by the Service and foreign fisheries agencies to estimate catch levels may 
not be sufficient to achieve the degree of desired accuracy; and recommending, among other things, 
that the Service (1) investigate the aggregation levels in the bycatch of different species and determine 
the appropriate statistical tools to characterize the bycatch for the 1990-1991 driftnet fishing seasons; 
and (2) review the nature of the observer data and the statistical methods used to determine the level of 
effort in other fishery observer programs. 
Commerce, modification of scientific research permit, Southwest Fisheries Science Center. 
Commerce, commenting further to the U.S. Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission 
on recommended U.S. policy regarding commercial whaling; and recommending that the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1) undertake a study to determine the sensitivity of the 
Revised Management Procedure to the varying precision of input parameters; and (2) coordinate a 
workshop to address various issues of multi-species interactions with special reference to whales. 
Commerce, scientific research permit, Northwest and Alaska Fisheries Science Center. 
Army Corps of Engineers, Interior, and the Florida Department of Natural Resources, commenting on 
the effect of a proposed public viewing area for manatees at Port Everglades, Florida; and recom- 
mending that the agencies exercise caution before approving any development permits for the proposed 
facilities and activities at Port Everglades. 
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, commenting on an environmental assessment 
for Proposed Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Fisheries; noting an 
inaccuracy in the Council’s interpretation of the requirements for fisheries listed under Category III of 
the Service’s list of fisheries; and recommending that the assessment be revised to clarify the reporting 
requirements for marine mammal-fisheries interactions; requesting information in fishing logbooks on 
(1) Hawaiian monk seal distribution beyond 50 nautical miles from land; (2) interactions between 
monk seals and pelagic fisheries; and (3) disposal or loss of light sticks from fishing vessels; and also 
requesting information on recent Council deliberations regarding actions to require tracking equipment 
aboard longline vessels. 
Commerce, commenting to the National Marine Fisheries Service on a funding request to investigate 
an apparent change in the distribution of several whale and dolphin species off New England; and 
recommending that the Service conduct aerial surveys and other studies to identify possible factors 
causing the change. 
Interior, commenting to the Fish and Wildlife Service on the activities and support needed to continue 
to meet Service research and management obligations for Florida manatee recovery work through 
Fiscal Year 1997; noting that, for the Sirenia Project, (1) certain earlier funding and personnel 
projections are no longer valid; (2) changes have occurred in the projected needs for basic life history 
and ecology studies; and (3) a program is needed to monitor the condition of essential manatee feeding 
habitats; further noting that, for the Jacksonville Field Office, (1) earlier funding projections for public 
information and education are higher than necessary, and (2) although the management staff has been 
increased, the current level does not place the office in a position to meet all its obligations; also 
noting that the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge needs a stronger public information and 
awareness program to educate Refuge visitors about manatee protection issues and requirements; and 
recommending, among other things, that, over the next five years, the Service plan for and provide 
total annual funding for Florida manatee recovery work by the Sirenia Project, the Jacksonville Field 
Office, and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge at the following levels: $1,189,000 in 1993; 
$1,092,000 in 1994; $987,000 in 1995; $1,015,000 in 1996; and $999,000 in 1997. 
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