144 



Tlie second question I have is on the next portion where you recom- 

 mend the cx)nsolidation to be delayed i>ending tlie completion of the 

 Department of Natural Resources. I was wondering what the timing 

 was on tliat. 



Where are we in the Department of Natural Resources? Is it mak- 

 ing any headway at this time? Oan we expect that to be formed 

 shortly ? 



Dr. Talbot-. Well, Mr. Anderson, that is anoither area where I am 

 not tilie best authority ; and again, I would be happy to find out and 

 submit the answer to you all. 



Mr. Anderson. I oan readily see that, if the Department of Natural 

 Resources is seriously on its way and is going to be active this year, 

 then I think your suggestion is absolutely right; but if it is not mov- 

 ing fast, then I think our suggestion might be beitter, and that is the 

 reason for the question. 



Tliank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. DiNGELL. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. 



Mr. Kyros. 



Mr. Ktros. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Dr. Talbot, I welcome you to the committee. 



In your testimony you favor Mr. Anderson's legislation for scien- 

 tific management, H.R. 10420. 



Has your department considered the possibility of having a mora- 

 torium on the killing of all these a,nimals for a couple of years while 

 you make a complete study, which apparently has not yet been made ? 



Dr. Talbot. This alternative, Mr. Kyros, has not been considered 

 specifically. The question has been raised particularly in connection 

 wiih. the other bill. 



Mr. Kyros. You mean H.R. 6558 ? 



Dr. Talbot. Yes. 



Mr. Kyros. And the related bills ? 



Dr. Talbot. Yes, sir; at present there is in effect a moratorium on 

 some of the marine marmnals, those which are generally regarded to 

 be those most seriously depleted. 



I have mentioned the moratorium that we have placed on the 

 formerly commercial species of whales, for example. As I understand 

 H.R. 10420, one of the first priorities for the duties of this Commission 

 would be a review of these various other species with the aim of rec- 

 ommending whatever action would be needed as quickly as necessary. 



I believe it specifically refers to the whaling and the fur seal con- 

 ventions. 



At present from some of the information that has been provided it 

 could be argued that an immediate moratorium was not necessary for 

 the fur seals. 



Mr. Kyros. Why ? 



Dr. Talbot. But admittedly there are widely differing reports and 

 opinions, and it is clear that a very careful review of the whole situa- 

 tion is needed and needed urgently. 



Mr. Kyros. Well, one of the things that I have noted is that there 

 is a wide difference of opinion. 



I know, for example, that in Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, you can 

 talk to a Maine lobsterman and say : 



