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scientific research program to monitor and promote the health 

 and stability of Bering Sea marine ecosystem and to fill data 

 gaps and resolve uncertainties concerning the causes of, and 

 necessary actions to reverse, population declines of marine 

 mammals, marine birds, and fish stocks of that region. Such 

 program shall address, but be need not be limited to, the 

 research recommendations that will be included in the report 

 to be issued in 1994 by the National Academy of Sciences, 

 under contract with the Department of State, on the Scientific 

 and Technical Understanding of the Bering Sea Ecosystem. The 

 long-term program established under this section shall include 

 research on subsistence uses of the biological resources of 

 the Bering Sea by Alaska Natives and how to best provide for 

 the continued opportunity for such uses. 



(2) To the maximum extent practicable, the research 

 program undertaken pursuant to paragraph (c) (1) shall be 

 conducted in Alaska at a location or locations where 

 researchers will have access to the ecosystem studied, and 

 where the environmental systems and biotic and abiotic factors 

 can be monitored. As part of this process, when carrying out 

 research pursuant to paragraph (c) (1) of this section, the 

 Secretary shall, upon the request of a qualified Alaska Native 

 organization, contract with that organization to conduct such 

 research pertaining to the use of marine ecosystem resources 

 for subsistence purposes. Research facilities used pursuant 



[19653-0001/DA940S90.060] -51- 



