195 



the taking of marine mammals by humans is only one of many 

 causes of the decline of species and population stocks. 



Richard Denney, wildlife consultant for the American 



Humane Association, discussed a variety of threats to fur 



seals, including ocean debris, in his testimony. At the close 



of his opening statement, he noted: "[i]t has been intimated 



that the oceans are already the worst enemies of marine 



mammals, causing the death of thousands from pollution. If 



this is true, no amount of total protection will 'save' them - 



the primary objective should be international abatement of 



habitat degradation." 39 As Senator Hollings replied: 



That is the point, isn't it, Mr. Denney, that 

 you take into account the entire ecosystem? 

 The pollution caused to walrus and sea otter 

 and other species from cadmium, mercury, DDT 

 and all the other things that go into the 

 ecology [sic] computer? . . . why not use that 

 reverse approach? Don't lift off a moratorium 

 until techniques develop and demonstrate to the 

 Congress that a meaningful and persuasive case 

 can be made to have open season again! 40 



The Director of Environmental Affairs for the Isaak 



Walton League, Ted Pankowski, similarly stressed the 



interconnected causes of marine mammal decline and ecosystem 



impacts in his testimony before the House subcommittee. 



[A] total ban on the taking of animals is no 

 guarantee that a species will survive or do 



39 Senate Hearings, at 522. 



40 



Senate Hearings, at 522-23. 



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