53 



There is another factor that bears on this problem. We continuously have 

 been reprograrnniing more funds into this program. Recently additional money 

 has been provided to the Southwest Fisheries Center to accelerate and improve 

 tbe analysis and ADP work at the Center. Within the past 3 months we have 

 given the Southwest Region additional funds and positions to improve the 

 support of the observer program. We also have provided additional funds for 

 expanding the observer program by 10 trips. 



As a result, we are now spending within about $250K of the total appropria- 

 tion authority uuder the Act. Section 110 authorizes $1.6G7K and Section 114 

 authorizes $2.000K. Our expenditures, including the FY 1977 increase of $650K, 

 will put us within $2."0K of the total authority of $3,667K. This is after a shift 

 of whale research from the Marine Mammal Protection Act line item to the 

 Endangered Species Act line item to accommodate further expenditures. 



Further increases in expenditures are constrained until our authority is 

 increased-. We also have to consider the possibility of using the remaining 

 limited funding authority for the aerial survey and for other critical needs 

 cropping up as the situation changes. 



At any rate, John, we appreciate the recommendation of the Commission 

 concerning research priorities. We agree in principle and are trying to work 

 around the legal and operational problems to effect your recommendation. I 

 will inform you of our resolution of the funding problem as soon as a decision 

 can be reached within NOAA. 

 Sincerely, 



Robert W. Schoning, 



Director. 



Marixe Mammal Commissiox, 

 Washington, D.C., July 27, 1970. 

 Mr. Robert W. Schoning, 



Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, XOAA, Department of Commerce, 

 IV a. shin fit on, B.C. 



Dear Mr. Schonix*g : I am writing with further reference to the availability 

 of Saltonstall-Kennedy funds for support of research related to the tuna- 

 porpoise problem. 



As you know, the need for additional funding for support of tuna-porpoise 

 research continues and, if anything, has grown more acute as a result of the 

 recent District Court decision and other decisions affecting appropriations. In 

 light of the continuing need and the fact that significant funds have not become 

 available from other sources, we have reexamined your response of 24 November 

 1975 to our recommendation that the National Marine Fisheries Service apply 

 Saltonstall-Kennedy funds to the solution of the tuna-porpoise problem. We 

 disagree with your determination that such funds are not legally available for 

 this purpose. 



We believe, for the reasons set forth in the enclosed memorandum, that the 

 law and the administrative practice, of which we are aware, support application 

 of Saltonstall-Kennedy funds to the solution of the tuna-porpoise problem. 

 Therefore, we recommend that you review your decision in this light in hopes 

 that additional monies from this source can be applied to this very serious 

 problem. 



Sincerely. 



John R. Twiss. Jr., 



Executive Director. 



Enclosure. 



Marixe Mammal Commission, 

 Washington, D.C., July 19, 1976. 

 Mr. Robert W. Schonixg, 



Director, National Marine Fisheries Service, XOAA, Department of Commerce, 

 Washington, D.C. 



Dear Mr. Schonixg: I am writing with further reference to the availability 

 of Saltonstall-Kennedy funds for support of research related to the tuna- 

 porpoise problem. 



As you know, the need for additional funding for support of tuna-porpoise 

 research continues and, if anything, has grown more acute as a result of the 



