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returns the MMPA to its original purpose while still addressing the subsistence 

 enforcement issue. 



Under our amendment, NMFS would still receive notification of movement of 

 animals and institutions would still submit an annual inventory report to NMFS. 



2. Codify the existing practice of NMFS and the Fish and Wildlife Service under 



which the taking of animals from the wild is regulated by NMFS and FWS while 

 their subsequent care and maintenance is regulated by the APHIS under the 

 Animal Welfare Act. 



Explanation of Amendment : This amendment codifies the existing practice of the 

 NMFS and the Fish and Wildlife Service under which the taking of animals from 

 the wild is regulated by NMFS and FWS while their subsequent care and 

 maintenance is regulated by APHIS under the Animal Welfare Act. In the NMFS 

 proposal, NMFS asserts the authority to set new care and maintenance standards 

 for marine mammals and begins establishing such standards. Having two, and 

 perhaps three, agencies establishing marine mammal care and maintenance 

 standards does not make sense when Congress and the Administration are seeking 

 to streamline government and control the deficit. 



VII. Conclusion . 



The contributions of the public display and scientific research communities to the 

 conservation of marine mammals and the protection of the ecosystem upon which they depend is 

 chronicled in the millions of visitors who come to our facilities each year and who leave with a 

 renewed dedication to marine conservation. They are chronicled in the thousands of research 

 projects funded by AZA and Alliance members. And, they are chronicled in the vast sums spent 

 on the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals who would die on our beaches 

 without the voluntary commitment of resources made by AZA and Alliance members. 



AZA and Alliance members look forward to continuing their efforts under the MMPA 

 and respectfully request the adoption of our certain clarifying amendments. 



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Document #5213 



