25 



Obviously it has advantages and disadvantages, and we are not 

 prepared to take a position on that at this time. 



We are looking to other approaches that have greater merit. 



Mr. Mannina. Thank you. 



During the research cruise of the Elizabeth C.J., approximately 

 30,000 porpoises were set on, and I understand the kill of porpoise 

 was approximately 16, of which only 4 were killed during fishing 

 operations. 



The NMFS report on the cruise suggests that these results were 

 achieved because of a new "super apron" and because of the skill of 

 the crew and the captain. 



Given this extremely low mortality rate, can you comment on what 

 efforts are being made to upgrade the skill of other vessels in the fleet, 

 and what your plans are for expanding the Elizabeth C.J. system to 

 other vessels ? 



Mr. Pollock. I think we are on dangerous ground again, if I might 

 respond. 



These are items that are under consideration in our regulations, and 

 I really would prefer we not answer at this time. 



Mr. Mannina. Thank you. 



Mr. Leggett. Thank you, Mr. Mannina. 



Mr. Spensley? 



Mr. Spensley. I just have one question. 



The court of appeals order by the Secretary of Commerce was to 

 investigate any violations, or apparent cause 



Mr. Pollock. The order issued to the Secretary by the District of 

 Columbia Circuit Court ? 



Mr. Spensley. Has any — do you have any current violations that 

 have been discovered ? 



Mr. Pollock. It is my understanding we have no report, and we 

 have no knowledge of violations of any kind. 



Mr. Leggett. And the bounty program, of course, is still under full 

 force and effect, that anybody reporting violations can collect, what, 

 $2,500 or $5,000, all right. 



Mr. Pollock. This is still in effect. 



Mr. Leggett. There has to be hard evidence, and not hearsay. 



Well, I think this — that again, without motivating you on your 

 regulations, in view of the fact that we have had Bold Contender 

 experience, and Elizabeth C.J. experience, to the maximum extent 

 feasible, where we can develop regulations to get to an overall fleet 

 operable program like Bold Contender in their best days, and like 

 Elizabeth C.J. in her best days, then I think we would be approach- 

 ing the target of zero mortality set in the original Marine Mammal 

 Act, and I would certainly hope that your Agency would be exercis- 

 ing every due diligence to achieve that result, and if you need addi- 

 tional legislation, we would like to have your recommendations in 

 that regard. 



Mr. Pollock. Mr. Chairman, I can assure you that we are exercis- 

 ing every due diligence, and notwithstanding the delays, we are trying 

 to move as speedily as possible. 



Mr. Leggett. Mr. Oberstar ? 



Mr. Oberstar. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



