162 



lowing the explanation by Dr. White and questions concerning these, 

 regulations, we will then receive the testimony from environmental 

 and industry groups who would like to express their point of view. 



We might as well start right out. And perhaps at this point it 

 might be well if I submitted a statement by my colleague, John 

 Dnigell, a former chairman of the subcommittee. 



[The statement follows:] 



Statement of Hon. John D. Dingell, a Representative in Congress from 



State of Michigan 



The purpose of today's hearings is to explore whether the Marine Mammal 

 Protection Act is presently acting to inhibit the operation of the U. S. tuna 

 fleet, and if so, the degree to which the Department of Commerce regulations 

 are responsib'e, as opposed to the language and intent of the Act itself. 



I can speak only briefly on this subject, but I think it important to under- 

 score the fact that the Marine Mammal Protection Act, in which I was rather 

 heavily involved at the time of its enactment, was not intended to serve as 

 the vehicle for shutting down the entire operation of the U. S. tuna fleet, if 

 that can be avoided. The Act was intended to provide a means whereby the 

 interests of the marine mammals, as constituent elements of a functioning 

 ecosystem, could be considered as well as those of the traditional fishing in- 

 dustry. I believed then, and believe now, that this is an important step 

 forward. 



I make no judgment yet as to the reasonableness of the Commerce Depart- 

 ment's regulations: if they are the only way to avoid the endangering or 

 destruction of an important marine species, they may be vital. I will be in- 

 terested, and I am sure that the rest of this Subcommittee will be just as 

 interested, in the facts of the matter. But I do feel it important to state 

 clearly my feeling that there is little advantage to be served by so constricting 

 the operations of the industry that they are forced to abdicate the field en- 

 tirely, leaving it to the less tender mercies of nationals of other countries 

 which may be far less concerned with the importance of protecting the marine 

 ecosystem, and the animals within that system, than the United States. 



This, I believe, is an important consideration and should be kept in mind as 

 today's hearings progress. 



Mr. Leggett. With that introduction, I would like to have Dr. 

 White present himself at the table with whatever supporting experts 

 he cares to select. 



Alright, as I understand, you have no prepared statement so there 

 is nothing to include in the record at this point. 



If you have any exhibits that you want to include, they will be 

 included as you desire. 



STATEMENT OF DR. ROBERT M. WHITE, ADMINISTRATOR, 

 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, 

 ACCOMPANIED BY WILLIAM BREWER, GENERAL COUNSEL, 

 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION: AND 

 ROBERT M. SCHONING, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL MARINE FISHER- 

 IES SERVICE 



Dr. White. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the com- 

 mittee. 



We welcome this opportunity to talk with the members of the 

 committee to explain the actions that we have taken in connection 

 with the regulations for 1977. 



