325 



large cetaceans, one must understand whether animals constitute a discrete 

 population or a viable part of the total population. Knowledge derived from 

 biochemical identification of populations can therefore contribute substantially 

 to decisions on critical habitat designation and other provisions for special 

 protection as appropriate. (§50,000) 



h. Migration and Biological Parameters of Killer Whales. The Commission 

 has supported studies of killer whales iu Puget Hound. Further understanding 

 of the biology and migration habits of these animals is possible, necessary, and 

 worthy of support. Information gathered as a result of cooperative Marine 

 Mammal Commission/National Marine Fisheries Service efforts will he used 

 to refine policies for their proper long-term management and conservation. 

 ($25,000) 



i. Captive Animal Husbandry and Development of Biochemical Baselines. 

 An investment in husbandry techniques and the development of biochemical 

 baselines is important to insure successful propagation and healthy mainte- 

 nance of captive marine mammals. Although some work has been done in this 

 area, there is a need for a substantially increased effort in propagation and 

 biochemical baseline determinations to reduce the levels of take from the 

 wild. ($75,000) 



j. Intensive Analysis of International "Whaling Commission Data. Thanks to 

 earlier Commission work, all data collected by the International Whaling 

 Commission is being computerized in a single system. An intensive analysis of 

 this data should be undertaken to provide information on population trends 

 and suggest appropriate management strategies to better protect and conserve 

 whales. ($50,000) 



k. Bowhead Whale Population Studies. The Commission has recently com- 

 pleted a review of bowhead whale data and recommended that the bowhead 

 be declared "depleted.*' Every effort must be made to assist in this species' 

 recovery. Additional information on population size, recruitment rates, and 

 distribution should be developed, and a substantial additional investment from 

 the Commission to supplement the National Marine Fisheries Service program 

 would be appropriate. ($50,000) 



1. Studies on Hawaiian Monk Seals. The recovery of the Hawaiian monk 

 seal, if it can be accomplished, will depend upon the cooperative efforts of the 

 National Marine Fisheries Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the 

 State of Hawaii to develop those strategies most likely to lead to recovery. 

 The Commission would contribute, both through the support of discrete studies 

 and possibly the convening of a task-oriented workshop, to insure that all" 

 reasonable avenues are explored to attain this goal. ($25,000) 



m. Evaluation of Subsistence Taking in Alaska. A problem of considerable 

 concern to Eskimos. Aleuts. Indians, the Government of the State of Alaska, 

 and the Federal Government, is subsistence taking. "Subsistence" is. in general, 

 poorly defined. The Commission would exert a catalytic influence on the de- 

 velopment of rational policies governing subsistence taking while insuring 

 that needs for the protection and conservation of marine mammal populations 

 are met. The Commission would cooperate with the State of Alaska, the Na- 

 tional Marine Fisheries Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the 

 Federal/State Alaska Land T T se Planning Commission in these efforts. ($25,000) 



T bone that the foregoing discussion is an adequate elaboration on our letter: 

 of 15 Anril 1977. 

 Sincerely, 



Johx P. Twiss, Jr., 



Executive Director: 



Mr. T/f.oCtFtt. Mr. Forsvthe. 



Mr. Forsythe. Thank yon. Mr. Chairman. 



T understand there was testimonv on the Senate side on the tnua- 

 "norpoisp issue. which I realize is not the main thrust of tin's mee^nrr 

 but which vre should perhaps try and clear up. that under the TWO 

 regulations, no eastern spinner can be taken. Am T correct in saving 

 that, if we were manao-inp; eastern sninners. under the TTVT\ so far 

 n^ the Marine Mammal Commission is concerned, then that would be 

 the case ? 



