159 



United States Department of the Interior j , 



FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE "t? 



WASHINGTON. U.C. M240 



In Reply Refer To: 

 FWS/DtS/91-5096 



Dr. £regory K. Sllber ^'- 2 I9PI 



Scientific and Executive Director 

 Friends of the Sea Otter 

 Post Office Box 2212ZO 

 Carmel, California 93922 



Dear Dr. Silber: 



Thank you for your October 9 letter requesting that the Fish and WlldHfe 

 Service take special, expedited measures to participate in the review being 

 conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (fWFS) to develop 

 recoomendations to Congress regarding Incidental taking of marine manmals 

 by commercial fisheries. 



The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has been Informed by NMFS staff 

 that an interim document soon will be distributed to numerous interested 

 parties. Including Friends of the Sea Otter. The document is Intended to 

 clarify misconceptions and other aspects of the Draft legislative 

 Environmental Impact Statement (DLEIS) and proposed regime. I understand 

 that comments will be accepted. Service biologists have participated with 

 NMFS on a task force to develop the DLEIS. The Service will continue 

 meeting with NMFS to ensure that the proposed regime does not compromise 

 the Service's position that no Incidental taking should be allowed for 

 California sea otters and manatees. 



I appreciate your efforts and support throughout this program review. If 

 J can be of any further assistance, please let ee know. 



Sincerely. 





V 



O 



69-350 0-93 (164) 



