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task of monitoring the fishery and marine mammal interactions. 



Considering that a single observer costs between $7, 000-$8, 000 per 

 month, funding will be a major issue with this program. The State 

 believes that funds and effort should be focused where they can 

 make the most difference, to solve real and pressing problems. 

 The application of observer programs should be targeted to 

 fisheries where there is a demonstrable need for observation. 

 This determination can best be accomplished through the 

 conservation team process. The State believes that the Secretary 

 should develop a verification regime, based on the recommendations 

 of the conservation teams, that meets the facts and circumstances 

 of the fishery and mammal stocks deemed most critical by the 

 agency . 



III. SUMMARY 



Alaskans have a strong dependence on marine resources, and we are 

 very concerned that they are effectively conserved. We support 

 the regime proposed by the environmental/fishing negotiators. We 

 believe that their proposal is practical, and provides for a 

 workable approach to addressing marine mammal/ fisheries 

 interactions. We urge the Committee to make use of their hard 

 work during this reauthorization of the MMPA, and develop 

 amendments to improve the draft bill that will provide for 

 properly balanced conservation programs. 



Thank you for the opportunity to present this testimony on behalf 

 of the State of Alaska. 



