77 



and station personnel to observe vessel offloads at shoreside proc- 

 essing plants. This last method maximizes vessel coverage using 

 minimal numbers of personnel. 



During our at-sea boardings, we are, of course, careful to avoid 

 interfering with longline vessels actively fishing. During all of our 

 boardings, whether in connection with openings or routine patrols, 

 our boarding officers also check for compliance with fishing vessel 

 safety requirements. And therein lies the second major success 

 story in my testimony. 



As our patrol units reach more and more fishing communities 

 and fishing grounds throughout southeast Alaska, our combination 

 of public education and enforcement action is increasing the aware- 

 ness of fishing vessel safety requirements. As we increase our at- 

 sea boardings, we not only foster compliance through enforcement, 

 but we also demonstrate the value of the voluntary dockside exam- 

 ination program. 



A successful dockside boarding by a Coast Guard examiner not 

 only ensures that the examined vessel meets the fishing vessel 

 safety requirements, but it also provides the vessel with a decal ev- 

 idencing compliance. Subsequent at-sea boardings can therefore be 

 expedited since we know the vessel has successfully passed an ex- 

 tensive dockside examination. The two parts of the program really 

 do complement one another in promoting compliance. 



With some recent terminations of the voyages of several fishing 

 vessels found operating unsafely, fishermen have quickly come to 

 realize that serious safety infractions can result in lost fishing days 

 and substantial lost income. As more fishermen have brought their 

 vessels into compliance, the fishing community has seen numerous 

 real-life examples of fishermen saved from Alaska's unforgiving wa- 

 ters by emergency position indicating radio beacons, immersion 

 suits, life rafts, and other safety equipment. 



As a result of all these factors, our patrol units have noted a sig- 

 nificant increase in fishing vessel safety compliance in our area. 

 We in Group Ketchikan are proud of the fact that we are playing 

 an important role in ensuring that all fishermen in southeast Alas- 

 ka will be properly equipped to survive an emergency. 



With respect to the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Man- 

 agement Act, I echo Rear Admiral Rufe's view that no changes to 

 MFCMA itself are necessary to promote Coast Guard responsibil- 

 ities in southeast Alaska. 



For our part, Group Ketchikan will continue to refine our proce- 

 dures to more efficiently accomplish our enforcement and protec- 

 tion missions in Dixon Entrance, while fostering harmonious Unit- 

 ed States and Canadian relations in that area. Most importantly, 

 we will continue to conduct a comprehensive boarding program on 

 the entire fishing fleet of southeast Alaska with special emphasis 

 on the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act and 

 the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act. 



I would be pleased to answer any questions at this time. 



The Chairman. Well, let us just hold the questions momentarily 

 and hear from Mr. David Benton of the Alaska Fish and Game. 



