86 



ultimately, and hopefully sooner than later, produce a solution to 

 the problem down there that would finalize the determination of 

 our boundary. As long as there is a disagreement down there over 

 the appropriate maritime fisheries boundary, I think there will be 

 the potential for some conflict or disagreements between our agen- 

 cies and among our fishermen. 



So, we are very hopeful, of course, that that would be the ulti- 

 mate solution down there. But certainly as you mention down 

 there, Mr. Chairman, de facto, over the past several years we have 

 seen a great improvement in the compliance of the Canadians in 

 that area. And I think they understand now that we anticipate 

 that we will take enforcement action whenever we see them cross- 

 ing the A-B Line into undisputed U.S. and Alaskan waters. 



And I think that having done so, we can anticipate that we are 

 adequately protecting the U.S. fisheries in that area. But obviously 

 we would be much better served by a final resolution between the 

 two nations. 



The Chairman. Finally, we see you and Mr. Benton close to- 

 gether this morning. Are you all that close when we leave town? 

 What about the enforcement? Is that well-coordinated between the 

 Federal and the State or do you recommend any changes. 



Captain DoRSEY. Mr. Chairman, I think we have a good working 

 relationship at all levels between the Coast Guard and State en- 

 forcement agencies. State fisheries are constantly going on within 

 our area of responsibility. And even though we are not involved in 

 enforcement of those fisheries, we are involved in doing boardings 

 on a constant basis for fishing vessel safety purposes. So, we do co- 

 operate with the State agencies, we work very closely together, we 

 complement each other's efforts, and I think it is quite a good rela- 

 tionship at the working level here. 



The Chairman. I have heard from time to time, Mr. Benton, that 

 activities in this State are being regulated and enforced more and 

 more each day by the Feds. Is that the case or is the relationship 

 of enforcement well coordinated; as you see it? 



Mr. Benton. Mr. Chairman, with regard to fishery matters I 

 would say we have a have good relationship with the Coast Guard 

 and the National Marine Fishery Service. And, frankly, I have to 

 put in a real plug for increased funding for Coast Guard activities 

 up here and for National Marine Fishery Services enforcement. 



I do not think I have run into anybody in the industry that is 

 not for increased enforcement and better working relations between 

 the agencies. And certainly the State's of the same mind. We would 

 strongly encourage increased enforcement capability up here. These 

 folks have done a good job, and they work hard under difficult con- 

 ditions. And they are real top notch. 



The Chairman. Very good. 



Senator Stevens. Mr. Chairman, the question is not only wheth- 

 er they have done a good job or not. During the Carter administra- 

 tion there was a negotiated agreement on the A-B Line. There was 

 a dispute, and the whole agreement fell aside because the Canadi- 

 ans would not accept the A-B Line. 



Mr. Chairman, if you will notice that map up there, the disputed 

 area is outlined. The southern line is the A-B Line. 



