480 



Sierra Club Testimony — page 3 



2. Integration of Studies and Information on Georges Bank . The 

 BTF is in a unique position because of its composition to review and 

 integrate the studies and information which have been developed by the 

 individual agencies represented on the Task Force. For example, 

 valuable information is now available on the physical oceanography 



of Georges Bank, prime spawning areas, and endangered whales' habits 

 and migration routes in the vicinity. The BTF is the appropriate forum 

 for examining the significance of this body of information as a whole. 

 As more information becomes available from studies of sediment trans- 

 port in the canyons, water column studies, and studies of the effects 

 of hydrocarbons on fish aggs and larvae, it should be incorporated in 

 the continuing work of the BTF. BTF should also determine whether there 

 are information gaps in the research, and if there are, make recom- 

 mendations for other studies which should be funded. 



3. Other BTF Responsibilities, Identified in its Charter . To date, 

 the BTF has concentrated on design of the monitoring program. In its 

 charter, however, it was given other responsibilities. We urge that * 

 the BTF now use the information gleaned from the monitoring program 

 and other studies to identify and develop recommendations for areas 



of special biological significance in the Georges Bank area and to 

 develop criteria to determine significant impacts and appropriate 

 mitigation measures. 



The Sierra Club believes that no further lease sales should be 

 scheduled on Georges Bank until the BTF has accomplished these 

 recommended activities. 



Equally important as the question of what the BTF has done and should 

 do in the future is the question of whether and how the Department 

 of the Interior incorporates the results of the studies and con- 



