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Ficure 1. "Super Apron" Modification of the "Bold Contender" System, 

 December 16, 1976 Assembly Diagram (vertical distances not to scale) 



Mr. Leggett. It is my understanding that the law gives the Mari- 

 time Administration discretion to rule on vessels over 3,000 tons. It 

 would also be my impression that there are not many tuna vessels 

 under 3,000 tons that we are really concerned with. 



So I would say that MarAd does have concern over all the ships 

 that are involved in this industry. 



It also appeared to me, and 1 think others, that were a large number 

 of vessels transferred, an environmental impact statement might be 

 required. 



So we can also take a side glance at the fact that merely because 

 American boats do not fish for tuna in a purse seine method, does not 

 moan that not even larger numbers of porpoises are not taken inci- 

 dental to other fleets fishing. 



That is one of the things that we want to address ourselves to, as I 

 understand it, counsel has provided me with a note indicating that the 

 average backdown on 30,000 tons of tuna required by the Elizabeth 

 C.J., the backdown period was 13.38 minutes. 



Now, we do not know what to compare that to. Do you know what 

 the average backdown period is on the average tuna boat ? 



I would expect it would vary with the number of porpoises en- 

 circled by the vessel, and other things. 



Dr. Chapman. I am sure that is correct, Mr. Chairman. I believe 

 there will be witnesses here from the industry who, I am certain, can 

 speak to that question very well. 



You may want to direct that question to some of those witnesses 

 later tockry. 



Mr. Leggett. Mr. Eisenbud ? 



Mr. Eisenbud. I do not have any information on that question, 

 Mr. Chairman, but I would like to indicate that it is my hope that we 

 have only just begun on this analysis of the results of this cruise. A 

 groat deal of information has been gathered and will be analysed by 

 Commission contractors and others. I think we all look forward to 

 that analysis and application of the promising results of the research 

 as the film, data, and reports are reviewed and evaluated. 



Part of that effort will be undertaken at the workshop which will be 

 convened at the end of this month. Although it may be premature at 

 this point to draw conclusions, it seems to us that there are a number 

 of promising results from the Elizabeth C.J. cruise which are worth 

 pursuing. 



