273 



those who urged conditions that would effectively bring about the dissolution 

 of the fishery. 



Now we need to change the law on a common sense basis to the extent that 

 it not only requires measureable results in reduced porpoise mortality but that 

 it recognizes that this can only be done if the United States fleet has the legal 

 right to fish tuna in association with porpoise, subject to safeguards. 



Very simply stated — the Congress holds our fate in its hands. 



VI. CONCLUSION 



The United States tuna fishery has worked cooperatively with and con- 

 tributedly much to scientific investigations of the tuna populations for many 

 years. Without this cooperative work by the fleet, knowledge, available to the 

 world, would not be far advanced. These tuna stocks are in good condition. 



The economic life of the purse seine vessel depends upon the preservation 

 of porpoise populations. Development of knowledge in this field is in major 

 part a result of the interest and contribution by the vessels in individual and 

 cooperative research. The imposition of excessive restrictions upon the United 

 States fleet which affect its ability to operate will eliminate what is by far 

 the largest contribution to and means of conducting research. The porpoise 

 stocks are not biologically depleted. 



It must be understood there is no such thing as instant knowledge or instant 

 science — in fisheries of elsewhere. Those who urge that we should know all 

 about the sea and its resources simply exhibit that they have no experience 

 with either one. 



Progress and improvement — ability and determination are the things that 

 count. The industry record shows that all these elements are present and pro- 

 vide the means to the best possible solution in the real world. 



We need the help of this Committee to restore some sanity to a nightmarish 

 situation. 



Statement of Franklin G. Alverson, Vice President. Living Marine Resources, 

 Inc., on Behalf of the American Tunaboat Association 



My name is Franklin G. Alverson. I am the Vice President of Living Marine 

 Resources, Inc., a marine consulting firm which has been on retainer to the 

 American Tunaboat Association since 1971 to study the tuna-porpoise problem. 

 My statement today is a very brief overview of certain aspects of this problem 

 and will concentrate on those areas which threaten the very existence of a 

 large portion of the fleet. 



TROPICAL TUNAS — EASTERN PACIFIC 



The tropical tunas of the eastern Pacific Ocean (yellowfin. skipjack and 

 bigeye) represent a common property resource that is currently being fished 

 by purse-seine vessels of 14 nations. The number of vessels and the carrying 

 capacity of the international purse-seine fleet during January-February. 1977 

 were as follows : 



