41 



That commission provided a means of conserving and managing fish 

 stocks, establishing a data base for these stocks, and promoting 

 multilateral scientific research related to the fisheries. This 

 work was carried out from 1950 until the mid-1970's when the 

 extension of fisheries jurisdiction to 200 miles by several 

 commission members, including the United States, required their 

 withdrawal from the convention establishing the commission. The 

 United States recognized, however, that a successor organization 

 should preserve and continue many important functions of the 

 commission, especially data collection and scientific research, 

 as well as rational management of fish stocks that straddle 200- 

 mile zones and adjacent high seas areas. 



Therefore, we played an active role in the negotiations that led 

 to the NAFO Convention. The Department, through NMFS, has 

 continued to submit appropriate catch and effort information to 

 NAFO relating to U.S. fishing activities in areas regulated by 

 NAFO, and we participate in NAFO's scientific as well as 

 management activities in an observer capacity. The benefits of 

 these activities to the United States would be significantly 

 enhanced were the United States to become a contracting party to 

 the NAFO Convention. 



In addition, by joining NAFO, we would have a voice in the 

 conservation and management decisions affecting fishery resources 

 in the NAFO Regulatory Area, including the allocation of catches 



