173 



being of these communities. And, just as these communities 

 will suffer if this emerging ecological crisis is not abated, 

 so will the other economic and environmental interests that 

 benefit from the resources of the Bering Sea. A resource of 

 national and international significance is at stake, and 

 immediate action is imperative. 



Throughout the 1700' s and 1800' s, the marine mammal 

 resources of the Bering Sea served as the basis for a thriving 

 trade in pelts and other byproducts. Largely unregulated 

 trade in these marine mammal products lead to the near 

 extinction of several species. As a result, much of the fur 

 trade and the economic wealth it produced was brought to an 

 end in the early 1900' s. 



Today, the resources of the Bering Sea are again 

 providing for flourishing economic activities, including a 

 large-scale commercial fishing industry and a growing tourist 

 industry. These resources also are essential for subsistence 

 purposes for Alaskan Natives. The Bering Sea resources that 

 support this economic development and subsistence use are 

 beginning to show severe signs of stress, once again posing 

 the possibility that unwise use of the natural resources of 

 this region will, as with the fur trade, cause thriving 

 economic opportunity to decline or come to an end and diminish 

 the availability of subsistence resources. 



(19633-0001/DA940M0.060) -3- 



