323 



in-state group of marine mammalogists to refine the coastal plan as it relates 

 to the needs of and impacts upon various marine mammal populations. In 

 fiscal vear 1978, we shall intensify our efforts, in this and other ways, to 

 assist States in their efforts to accommodate marine mammals in management 

 plans. To do this, convening small working groups of scientists intimately 

 involved in regional issues is necessary. (,$25,000) 



f. Global Analysis of Recent Marine Mammal Taking. In FY '77, the Com- 

 mission will publish its analysis of global marine mammal takings — a review 

 for all species of levels of take over the last ten years, current status of 

 populations and subpopulations, research underway, and other critical infor- 

 mation needed for management to conserve and protect marine mammals. In 

 fiscal year 1078, the Commission will update and computerize its report to 

 include information gathered through 1977. This should be available in the 

 early fall of 1978. The information contained therein, unavailable anywhere 

 else' in the world, is essential for developing rational approaches to inter- 

 national marine mammal conservation efforts. After assuring itself that the 

 computerization process and quality control of information are entirely satis- 

 factory, the Commission expects the line agencies to assume full responsibility 

 for annually updating this material. ($10,000) 



g. Workshops to evaluate regional problems. The Commission will support 

 workshops to evaluate specific regional problems. Based on these evaluations, 

 the Commission will make recommendations to Federal and State agencies on 

 approaches designed to insure the proper conservation and protection of 

 marine mammals. Typical subjects for workshop discussions will be critical 

 habitats, strandings, enforcement activities, and public education. ($30,000) 



h. California Sea Otter research. It is necessary to continue to develop, as 

 rapidly as possible, a better understanding of the sea otters' role in the eco- 

 system. The Commission has supported work in this area, and is committed 

 to the proposition that additional research, by the Commission, the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service, and the State of California, will be necessary to develop a 

 reasonable understanding of the present situation and a strategy for resolving 

 the problem. ($30,000) 



i. Protection of Hawaiian Monk Seal habitat. The Commission recommended 

 designation of the Hawaiian monk seal as "endangered" and "depleted" and 

 further recommended that areas of the Hawaiian archipelago be designated 

 critical habitats in order to provide protection beyond that afforded by the 

 Marine Mammal Protection Act. Further studies are needed to monitor the 

 results of absolute protection and to suggest ways in which the recovery of 

 this species may be encouraged. ($20,000) 



j. Alaskan population data. After working intensively on population data 

 for marine mammals in Alaska, the Commission is convinced that there 

 exists a wealth of unanalyzed data which could contribute to a far better 

 understanding of the status of various species and stocks. The Commission, 

 therefore, intends to support work which will provide the State of Alaska, 

 the Federal Government, and others with additional essential information on 

 which to base rational management decisions. The Commission has offered to 

 convene a workshop, at Commission expense, as the first step in undertaking 

 these analyses. ($30,000) 



Section II : $1,000,000 Appropriation ; $550,000 for Research and Studies. 



In addition to previously described activities, the following activities are 

 considered appropriate for support at the $1,000,000 level. 



a. Radio Telemetry Workshop. Insubstantial use is being made of existing 

 technology to monitor the numbers, movements, and activities of marine 

 mammals. The Commission intends to bring together a number of scientists 

 and engineers involved in radio telemetric work to insure that, through an 

 adequate and extensive exchange of information, full advantage can be taken 

 of existing technology in present and proposed research and censusing efforts. 

 ($10,000) 



b. Sea Otter Salvage and Necropsy Program, California. We have already 

 referred to the critical need for additional information on California sea 

 otters. As a part of this effort, the Commission hopes to assist the State to 

 develop a coordinated program for data collection and utilization. Data thus 

 collected are needed to monitor the status of the population and to contribute 

 to determining rational management strategies that will insure he protection 

 and conservation of the California sea otter population. ($25,000) 



