234 



ment observers; we provided training programs and workshops for 

 the crews. 



And with our special gear research programs — known as the Bolo 

 Contender system, and the Elizabeth C.J. results, Mr. Chairman, we 

 have truly been in a research period of promised improvements in 

 the reduction of porpoise mortality. 



The exemplary results of the Bolo Contender experiment and the 

 Elizabeth C.J. are well known to us all. 



We are in the midst of our 1977 Porpoise Rescue Foundation pro- 

 grams, which have been fully funded, and it continues to operate. 

 We stand on the threshold of a massive fleet wide fine-mesh experi- 

 ment program, and the prospects of a dedicated research vessel. 



And the reality of the 1977 regulatory regime, as it settles down 

 on the industry — in spite of the Administrative Law Judge's deci- 

 sions and recommendations, in spite of the recommendations of the 

 department's chief scientist, despite the hours of testimony and over- 

 sight hearings before your subcommittee, Mr. Chairman — but our 

 historic period of research and progress is in jeopardy and we are 

 about to enter a period of struggle for economic survival. 



We believe that the Marine Mammal Protection Act must be 

 changed so that the health of the U.S. tuna industry can be assured. 

 Only in this way can the health of the porpoise population be 

 assured as well. 



This concludes my statement on behalf of the canneries, Mr. Chair- 

 man. 



Mr. Leggett. Thank you very much. 



Mr. Alverson, do you have a comment? 



Mr. Alverson. Yes; I would just like to set the record straight. 

 I notice on the agenda that I am listed as representing the Porpoise 

 Rescue Foundation. 



Mr. Leggett. Yes. 



Mr. Alverson. That is not true. I came on behalf of the American 

 Tunaboat Association, and I would so wish the record to show that. 



Mr. Leggett. All riarht, the record will be corrected to show that. 



Mr. Felando. Mr. Chairman, I have one more additional remark. 

 We supplied the committee with some charts. And, subject to your 

 approval, I would like to have these charts — coverinsr the distribu- 

 tions of the eastern spinner and the whitebelly spinner and the 

 spotted porpoise — inserted into the record. 



Mr. Leggett. All right. 



At this point a chart which is called "figure 12" 



Mr. Alverson. You better call one 12-A and the other 12-B. 



Mr. Leggett. OK. We will call figure 12 12-A, which is enticed 

 on the back, "distribution of eastern spinner porpoise" — well, that 

 will appear in the record. 



[The following was received for the record:] 



