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the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of 

 the High Seas, where, in the context of that convention, they define 

 the term "conservation of the living resources of the high seas" as 

 "the aggregate of the measures rendering possible the optimum sus- 

 tainable yield from those resources so as to secure a maximum supply 

 of food and other marine products." 



Do you consider that this is an entirely adequate definition of the 

 concept of conservation within the environmental concerns that we 

 now recognize? 



Dr. Talbot. No, I do not, Mr. Potter. 



I feel that while that was adequate at the time it was formulated 

 for the concepts that existed at that time, we now have a very much 

 broader approach and we are concerned with the broader environmen- 

 tal stability. 



We recognize that by dealing with one species in one way we may 

 be having eiffects far beyond the pont of our management or far beyond 

 this one species. 



As I indicated earlier this morning, it may be possible to manage 

 one species for the optimum sustainable yield for maximum economic 

 gain on a sustained basis in a way which will harm or have various 

 types of adverse effects on other parts of the environment. 



Therefore, that definition in my view must be broadened to meet 

 today's environmental awareness and understanding. 



Mr. Potter. Thank you. 



Mr. DiNGELL. Mr. Rountree. 



Mr. RouNTREE. Just two questions. 



Dr. Talbot, I would like to ask you your opinion or the opinion of 

 the council if you have analyzed this legislation from the standpoint 

 of exactly what would be the future role of CEQ assuming enactment 

 of H.R. 10420 or legislation in this area — what leadership or guidance 

 role will you take within the administration ? 



Dr. Talbot. Well, Mr. Rountree, I would not be in a position to give 

 you a very definitive statement on this beyond indicating that I do 

 not believe this would alter the responsibilities which the Council 

 has under the National Environmental Policy Act and subsequent 

 Executive orders and legislation. 



This "would be one of the areas of environmental concern for which 

 the Council would, I believe, maintain an overview and coordination 

 responsibility. 



Mr. Rountree. My specific point is that under the Federal agency 

 reports that have come up to us from the respective agencies, it appears 

 that we are going to have, at least in your recommendations, a dual 

 responsibility and authority between the Department of Commerce 

 and the Department of Interior based upon a delineation of the type 

 of mammal being protected or regulated. 



I ani just wondering whether or not you feel the Marine Mammal 

 Commission or whether the Council will be in a position to resolve 

 conflicting interests or try to obtain some type of a comprehensive 

 broad thrust overview to insure that any future program is coordi- 

 nated and developed adequately. 



I assume this would be the possible role of CEQ in this area. 



Dr. Talbot. Yes; I believe the responsibility you have described 

 would be that of CEQ. 



