250 PROTECTION AND TRESERVATION. 



Couciiisions. a scientific poiut of view and from actual experi- 

 ence it is necessary to protect the seal herd from 

 this means of slaughter in order to preserve the 

 species. 



MeaT.3 iicces- Upou the question what are the restrictions or 



sary. ^ ^ 



prohibitions needful to accomplish the desired 

 results, it is only necessary to consider those 

 applicable to open-sea sealing, for it has already 

 been shown that regulations can be enforced 

 upon tlie Pribilof Islands so that a certain num- 

 ber of young male seals can be taken annually 

 on the islands for an indefinite period without 

 decreasing or impairing the normal condition of 

 the herd, and this is parti cula-rly shown by the 

 American Commissioners and various witnesses.-' 

 As to what restrictions are necessary to be 

 enforced in relation to pelagic sealing, the opin- 

 ions naturally vary according to the knowledge, 

 prejudice, or conclusions of the individual. These 

 opinions may be placed in two classes, absolute 

 prohibition and limited prohibition. Naturally, 

 the majorit}^ of those whose interests would be 

 affected by an absolute prohibition of open-sea 

 sealing in all waters frequented by the Alaskan 

 herd, will be found affirming the need of a 



'Report of Aineri can Bering Sea Commissioners, jjosf, p. .Sr)2; 

 H. II. Melnlyre, Vol. II, p. 45; Williiini H. Willinms, vol. II, p. 

 91; Ocorgo Wardnnm, vol. II, p. 179; W. II. Dall, vol. 11, p. 24. 



