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Rep. Hamburgh, Page 3 September 8, 1993 



A regional task force approach to managing these predation problems 

 provides a system that can consider all views and options and make 

 a scientifically-based policy decision on how the problem may be 

 solved. It is very important that the lethal take option be 

 specifically included when the establishment of task forces is 

 authorized this year. 



3) the need for more specifics in getting up the Task Force such as 

 a more detailed definition of the types of Interactions to be 

 addressed; 



The amendment that we are proposing offers this specificity. 



4) whether the Task Force should address interactions with 

 fisheries other than salmonld fisheries; 



The establishment of a task force should not be limited to 

 interactions with salmonld fisheries. A task force should be 

 authorized to be established to consider the predation of fish 

 being raised in marine aquaculture facilities. 



5) what kind of research is needed to ascertain the extent on the 

 Impact of pinnipeds feeding on salmonlds as compared to the Impact 

 of commercial fishing harvest on these fiBh; 



This question speaks to the predation of West Coast salmon, an 

 issue which we have no background in. The answer to this question 

 is best developed in the recommendations of a regional task force 

 that would be established to consider this problem. 



6) whether adequate support has been given to commercial fishermen 

 In the development and proper use of nonlethal means of deterrentaT 



The task force option would provide for a cooperative approach 

 - by government, industry, and other interested parties - to 

 solving predation problems through a combination of lethal and 

 nonlethal means. To date, this approach has not been available to 

 our growers. Our industry utilizes all available, technologically 

 feasible means of nonlethal deterrence and relies on lethal takes 

 as a last-resort predator management tool. We welcome the 

 opportunity to further investigate options through a task force- 

 based permitting process. 



7) whether the Pinniped Interaction Task Force should include 

 monitoring on the extent of direct interactions at sea; 



Our industry assumes that monitoring of the implementation of 

 task force recommendations would take place. Our proposal would 

 require the assistance of a wildlife management agency in carrying 

 out any authorized intentional lethal takes. In Maine, this would 

 probably work so that an animal control officer would be on 



