288 



In the enforcement and marking area, we can foresee the need for 

 increased marine mammal tagging and associated research and to 

 broaden our at sea, port of entry, and critical habitat enforcement 

 capabilities. 



One further area of increasing responsibility under the act should 

 be highlighted, and that is our international commitments. Besides 

 our current, commitments to such bodies as the International "Whal- 

 ing Commission, in support of the International Decade of Cetacean 

 Research, and to improving porpoise mortality reduction effort ■ of 

 member nations of the Tnter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, 

 we have also extended the scope of our direct marine mammal pro- 

 tection responsibility to 200 miles with the Fisheries Conservation 

 and Management Act. 



Although I have limited my presentation to highlights of our 

 pressing tuna-porpoise related needs and a few of the more urjren f 

 problems in other areas, I believe we have a strong case for increased 

 authorization levels under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to try to answer 

 anv questions. 



Mr. Leggett. OK. I was just getting our parliamentary situation 

 squared away. 



This would be an authorization bill that relates to the current 

 fiscal year. And as I understand, we would need a waiver, both for 

 the authorization bill to be considered, since it is subsequent to la c t 

 March 15 which, I think, was the cutoff date for consideration of 

 appropriation bills for the current fiscal year. 



Is that your understanding? 



Mr. Beatt. I think so; yes. 



Mr. Leggett. Now, does anybody know the status of the fiscal year 

 1977 supplemental appropriation bill for the Department of Com- 

 merce? 



Have you made the request through channels, and is it being con- 

 sidered? 



I notice that we have a supplemental appropriation bill coming 

 up either later on today or tomorrow. 



Mr. Gehrtnoer. The Office of Management and Budget has ap- 

 proved this request for 1977. 



Mr. Leggett. I understand. 



And the supplemental appropriation bill which includes vour 

 funding is H.R. 4877. 



Mr. Gehrtnger. Right. 



Mr. Leggett. But I just do not see any NOAA money in there. 

 "We will have to check that out rather rapidlv and carefully. 



As I understand, you are asking for supplemental amounts for 

 1977 for two purposes. 



No. 1, for the observer program and. No. 2. for research, is that 

 right? 



Mr. Gehrtnger. This is strictly an observer program. 



Mr. Leggett. Let us see. 



The $1,114 million is strictly for the observer program? 



Mr. Gehrtnger. Right. 



Mr. Leggett. For at least one voyage per vessel? 



