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negotiated agreement language does a better job in dealing with this complex issue than 

 does Section 7. 



Speedy resolution of this issue is critical to us because of the near extinction of the Cedar 

 River stock of steelhead passing through Ballard Locks in Seattle. Evidence in this case is 

 very strong that sea lion predation occurring in the Locks has produced dramatic declines in 

 stock run size, down to an estimated 150 returning adults from several thousand as recently 

 as the mid-1980's. Many different non-lethal techniques have been used in attempting to 

 resolve this situation; all have failed to date. As Congress and nation struggle to preserve 

 our fish and wildlife diversity, it appears to us that appropriate changes in the MMPA can 

 help the cause in this situation. In our view, the "Intentional Lethal Taking" negotiated 

 agreement provides the best tool for this situation, and others like it which may arise in the 

 future. 



Finally, I urge you and the Subcommittee to join with members of the Negotiating Group 

 to revisit other key points of the agreements that were left out of this bill or were modified 

 in such a way as to be inconsistent with the agreements. It is my understanding that these 

 points will be raised today by several witnesses who are signatories to the agreements. I 

 urge you to consider these points, and concerns raised in this letter, prior to concluding 

 your work on this bill in the House side of the reauthorization process. 



Please be assured that you have TU's full support and assistance as you work to resolve 

 issues in the MMPA reauthorization, Endangered Species Act reauthorization, Clean Water 

 Act reauthorization, and other fish and wildlife conservation items on your very full 

 Committee agenda. We are committed to preserving our nation's rich heritage of biological 

 diversity, and pledge to work with you to minimize the many threats facing this heritage. 



Sincerely yours, 



\ 



Charles F. Gauvin 

 Members of the Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources 



O 



74-195 (172; 



