14 



We agree that the permit requirements today under the MMPA 

 are too burdensome, lengthy and inflexible when it involves re- 

 search of the non-intrusive kind involving generally close approach 

 to marine mammals in the wild. And we believe that the MMPA 

 should be amended to shorten and simplify the process for research 

 involving these low level types of harassment. 



We also believe that there should be a provision made for yet an- 

 other kind of permit; the kind of permit that would allow the public 

 to observe these animals in the wild and would allow them to pho- 

 tograph and bring the films and photographs back to those who 

 will never have the opportunity to see these animals in their natu- 

 ral habitats. 



We think that the way it is now, we find ourselves forcing these 

 activities under research permits. And that is simply not workable. 



We also believe that the law should be amended to allow the im- 

 port and export of native art for purposes of exhibit in museums 

 or any other institution with public access and also for other pur- 

 poses involving cultural exchanges. 



We have a few other suggestions but these are all included in my 

 testimony, which I will submit for the record, and I will be glad to 

 answer any questions. The green light is still on. 



[Statement of Dr. Foster can be found at the end of the hearing.] 



Mr. Studds. There is absolutely no precedent for that whatso- 

 ever. We don't know how to proceed. Thank you very much. Ms. 

 Mollie Beattie, the new Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

 I think this is your first visit officially with us. We are delighted 

 to have you. 



STATEMENT OF MOLLIE BEATTIE, DIRECTOR, U.S. FISH AND 

 WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 



Ms. Beattie. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It is a de- 

 light to be here and to have this be my first testimony on such an 

 important issue and one in which the Fish and Wildlife Service is 

 deeply interested. 



In addition to an overview of the activities of the U.S. Fish and 

 Wildlife Service, my statement, of which a longer version has been 

 submitted for the record, provides information on the status of ma- 

 rine mammals under our jurisdiction and proposals we are consid- 

 ering for amending the Act. 



The Act establishes a Federal responsibility for the conservation 

 of marine mammals. Under the Act, the Secretary of the Interior, 

 through the Service, is responsible for protecting and managing 

 polar bears, sea and marine otters, walruses, manatees and 

 dugong. 



In conducting these activities, the Service maintains a coopera- 

 tive working relationship with the Marine Mammal Commission 

 and its committee of scientific advisors, the National Marine Fish- 

 eries Service, the newly created National Biological Survey, the Bu- 

 reau of Indian Affairs, and other Federal agencies. We also cooper- 

 ate with affected States, Alaska native organizations, conservation 

 organizations, and other entities on marine mammal issues of mu- 

 tual concern. 



All three species of manatees, the dugong, the marine otter and 

 the southern or California sea otter are listed as endangered or 



