308 



Question. HOW many full-time people in the program? (page 45, lines 23-24) 

 Answer. For the most part Service employees involved in the .Marine Mam- 

 mal Protection Act are permanent full-time employees. For example, we have 

 "li* ITT employees in our research effort. However, we have used man-years 

 in the summary table as it more accurately portrays our efforts. For example, 

 many of our enforcement agents may spend only a part of their time on 

 marine mamma] activities. There are no agents assigned full-time to marine 

 mammal enforcement. 



Question. How many part-time people anywhere in this program? (page 45 

 line 21) 



Answer. Mosl of the individuals involved in the marine mammal program 

 are full-time. However, we do fund some 14 part-time personnel in our law 

 enforcement effort as port inspectors responsible for examining import and 

 export shipments. We will he adding about 10 to this number in the near 

 future. 



Question. What protection is given to each species? (page 45, lines 24-25) 

 Answer. The Service's protection for marine mammals varies somewhat 

 depending on the species. However, they all are covered by the basic pro- 

 visions of the -Marine .Mammal Protection Act. which placed a moratorium 

 on their taking except for native subsistence hunting and scientific research 

 and public display collecting by specific permit. In addition to our law en- 

 forcement efforts to prevent unauthorized taking and importation of marine 

 mammals products, protection of the species is achieved through scientific 

 research studies to gain knowledge of the species. Other laws also provide 

 direct or indirect protection such as the Endangered Species Act and the 

 National Environmental Policy Act. The Service has designated the California 

 sea otter as threatened, the manatee and dugong as endangered. This action 

 provides for identification of critical habitat for the listed species and further 

 supports the prohibition against taking except under permit for specified 

 purposes. Identification of critical habitats for the manatee has been com- 

 pleted. 



The effectiveness of our protection efforts, as a result of the Marine Mammal 

 Protection Act and other statutes, is best indicated by the following exam- 

 ples: (1) the polar bear population now appears to be stabilized with limited 

 subsistence harvest in Alaska, (2) walrus in Alaska have become reestablished 

 within their historic range and their population appears stable, even with 

 subsistence harvest by natives. 



Although the California sea otter was recently listed as threatened, the 

 population is increasing and extending its range, not only in California, but 

 in other areas within its historic range. 



Question. How does the Service apportion its law enforcement activity? 

 (pages 45-46, lines 25-1) 



Answer. The Service directs its law enforcement activity to areas where the 

 resource is provided the greatest protection for funds expended. For example, 

 there is an illegal trade in walrus ivory. To have our enforcement agents in 

 the field patrolling the vast areas where walrus are found throughout the year 

 would not only be ineffective but would also be prohibitive in terms of cost. 

 We feel our efforts are far more effective at ports-of-entry where such illegal 

 items would enter the country. By reducing the incentive to take walrus for 

 their ivory, protection is afforded the species. 



For other marine mammals which are not of commercial value such as the 

 manatee, a different strategy is employed. Most direct mortality is a result of 

 boating activities. We have posted known concentration areas with warning 

 signs and worked with local authorities in publicizing the presence of man- 

 atees and the need to reduce high speed boating. 



Question. How are you able to track polar bears using satellite telemetry? 

 (page 46, lines 1-2) 



Answer. Our efforts to track polar bears using satellite telemetry were ini- 

 tiated through a research contract let in fiscal year 1076 to produce three radio 

 transmitters which would be placed on polar bears for tracking with the 

 Nimbus F satellite. We plan to test the transmitters on animals in the field 

 during fiscal year 1077 to determine the actual feasibility of the system. 



Question. How does the Service continue meeting the mandates of the 

 MMPA with no increases in funding? Cpage 55, lines 6-7) 



Answer. Some activities which are desirable and non funded must be post- 

 poned in order to remain within the ceiling. For example, the number of 



