282 



The NMFS regolatlonfl have set a quota of zero on eastern spinner popula- 

 tion despite the fact that the administrative law judge recommended 6,587. 

 I ultss Congress revises the Act to permit a more reasonable standard, the 

 NMFti suggests the eastern spinner limit may not be raised until 1980, maybe 

 later. A zero quota is unworkable when lishing in association with mixed 

 schools of porpoises that contain eastern spinners and most experts agree that 

 the eastern Bpinner population would be increasing even with a mortality 

 limit "i «i..uo. 



Fishing permits for 1977 are still undergoing administrative action with 

 none issued so far. Administrative procedures must be improved to permit re- 

 sumption of U.S. tuna Ashing as rapidly as possible. 



Congressional action now does not mean endangering research and improv- 

 ing lishing techniques should be a major effort. Governmental funding support- 

 ing research is an integral part of preserving porpoises and aiding the U.S. 

 tuna industry. 



In conclusion, the National Food Brokers Association urges the members of 

 Congress to act to preserve porpoises and the vital U.S. tuna industry. As Dr. 

 Kenneth S. Norris has said in Smithsonian magazine, "There is hope for both 

 the porpoise and the U.S. tuna fishery. But, while better ways of catching tuna 

 and saving porpoises are being evolved into policy or science, let's not trap 

 ourselves into a corner nobody wants to occupy — the one where the porpoises 

 and the fishery are both lost." 



NFBA believes a healthy vigorous tuna industry is of great importance to 

 consumers and the food industry. Relief from unreasonable restrictions is 

 necessary so that the U.S. tuna fleet can resume operations and continue to 

 fish tuna in association with all species of porpoises under workable standards. 

 Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act are needed to provide clear 

 and reasonable standards which will preserve this source of food nutrition 

 for consumers, and jobs for thousands of U.S. citizens. Whatever action is 

 needed by Congress and the Administration to restore the vitality of the tuna 

 industry in this country should be undertaken. 



[Whereupon, at 5:40 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.] 



