65 

 Dr. James Baker •4- October 11, 1993 



only increase benefits to nations fishing east of 45°W. we request that 

 you see to it that three things be done: 



1 . The SCRS Bluefin Working Group can reconvene prior to the SCRS 

 plenary session that begins on October 28 and consider as best they can in 

 the time available and with the information at hand, whether or not these 

 Japanese catches, if counted as coming from the west, would change the 

 SCRS thinking about recommendations for the west. If Miami scientists or 

 Bill Fox suggests that this issue has either been addressed or would not 

 matter much, they are not speaking the truth. Our preliminary runs of 

 the stock assessment incorporating these catches shows 

 substantial impact on the hypothetical western stock. Miami 

 scientists cannot be allowed to stall on this issue any longer; 



2. The SCRS Working Group consider the biological basis for dividing the 

 Atlantic at 45° W for stock assessment purposes and; 



3. Depending on the agreed upon outcome, the U.S. assert a position at 

 ICCAT that calls for either an intersessional meeting of the SCRS or a 

 special working group meeting before next year's SCRS regular session to 

 consider the scientific basis for accepting the two stock hypothesis. 



If NOAA is serious about fair and long term conservation of Atlantic 

 bluefin tuna than the U.S. must continue to lead and get these matters 

 addressed. A stroke of your pen and the U.S. traditional bluefin fishery and 

 a $32 million a year industry becomes history, but it may not mean a darn 

 thing for the bluefin unless these issues are first addressed. 



If you need additional information supporting any of the statements and 

 facts included in this letter, please call me and I will be happy to meet 

 with you. 



Sincerely, 



Richard P. Ruais 

 Executive Director 



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