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with other agencies and organizations which are helpful in this 

 regard. 



In addition, we administer a small number of research grants 

 in the area. I do not think it is essential to take up the committee's 

 time on all of our research projects, but I will give you an idea of 

 some of the things that we are involved in. 



Our polar bear research activities are quite extensive, and include 

 the tracking of bears using satellite telemetry. Studies are under- 

 way to determine parasites and environmental contaminants in 

 polar bears. 



We are also investigating the movement and interaction of polar 

 bear groups between the Alaska coastal and Arctic Ocean popu- 

 lations. 



We are also involved in research on the walrus, and sea otter 

 studies are part of our activity. Of course, as you know, otters are 

 a concern along the California coast, in particular, and to some 

 degree along the Alaskan coast. 



Our research on manatees is also continuing, and this species, in 

 particular, seems to be in great difficulty at the present time. 



Also, with respect to dugongs 



Mr. Leggett. Are my colleagues aware of what a dugong is? 



What does a dugong look like ? 



Mr. Mieias. I have never seen one. Maybe one of the staff with 

 me can describe a dugong. 



Mr. Leggett. Maybe we are administering a species that we cannot 

 identify. 



Is there any of vour staff that can identify a dngong when thev 

 see one? 



Mr. Milias. Clyde Jones can. 



Mr. Leggett. How about your law enforcement man back there? 

 Can you recognize a dugong? 



Mi-. Bavin. I am not sure I can. 



Mr. Leggett. That is a suspicious laugh on your face. But can you 

 recognize a dugong? 



Mr. Jones. Yes, sir. 



Mr. Leggett. Essentially what does it look like? 



Mr. Joxes. It looks like a large torpedo. It has a fluke shaped 

 tail, it has a small head with huge and folding lips. It is a large 

 gray torpedo shaped animal. 



Mr. Leggett. What is the total population? 



Mr. Jones. We have no idea. The dugong occurs in the Indo- 

 Pacific Ocean. 



Mr. Leggett. In the Indo-Pacific Ocean ? 



Mr. Jones. Yes, sir. 



Mr. Leggett. How many have been seen in the Pacific shores? 



Mr. Jones. The greatest population we know of is off the Great 

 Barrier Reef, Australia, again we do not know precisely its size. 



Mr. Leggett. Have we ever seen any in American waters? 



Mr. Jones. In the Pacific Trust Territories, there are records of 

 dugongs in the area of Palao. they are found as far north as Guam. 



Mr. Leggett. If you ever find any, they will be protected. 



Now, the manatees, now I have seen one of those that was sick 

 down at Florida one time. 



