169 



Now, how much of the total population this would have represented, 

 I am not sure. I am not sure how complete and accurate the survey was. 



Mr. DiNGELL. Well, as a matter of fact, I am going to ask you to 

 please, Mr. Hansen, give us the information as to population levels, 

 age groups of the different species marine mammals, and also the age 

 groups taken. And I will direct at this time, in order to save the time 

 of the committee, that Mr. Potter, our counsel, be in communication 

 with you in regard to the inf onnation we need in these particular areas. 



I will ask you also to submit to us information as to this particular 

 study to which you are alluding. 



I do not think you want to sit there and tell me this was an adequate 

 study as to the population levels of the walrus, the condition of the 



herd. 



It is not a comparison with regard to the ancestral population of 

 walrus and what they were, nor does it give us a breakdown as to the 

 age groups or aging, of the future prognosis of walrus population. 



Mr. Hansen. I am the first to adinit, as I have, that we desperately 

 need infonnation in this area. 



Mr. DiNGELL. I want to tell you that I am impressed to know that 

 you folks are coming in here and supporting the legislation we have 

 before us with regard to survey of population of walrus and polar 

 bears. 



I have, for years, been trying to get legislation through, and Inte- 

 rior has always said we have plenty of authority and do not need it. 



I said if you have plenty of authority and do not need it, why are 

 you not doing it. I never got an answer to that particular point. 



I do not think you have an adequate survey of populations of any 

 species of these marine mammals, whether you are talking about polar 

 bears, any of the fields of the walrus, or any of the other species now, 

 do you ? 



Dr. LiNDUSKA. I would be inclined to take exception to that, Mr. 

 Chairman. 



Mr. DiNGELL. You do not have it on the walrus. 



Dr. LiNDUSKA, The walrus may be a possible exception. But I feel 

 very confident as far as the fur seal and sea otter are concerned we 

 are on safe ground. 



Mr. DiNGELL. That is two species. 



Can you name any other species on which you have adequate 

 information ? 



Dr. LiNDUSKA. That is the extent of my unqualified statement. 



Mr. DiNGELL. And, as a matter of fact, there are some problems 

 with regard to the fur seal. The number has actually declined signifi- 

 cantly in recent years. 



Dr. LiNDUSKA. In terms of a moratorium ? 



Mr. DiNGELL. I am not talking moratorium. I am talking popula- 

 tion levels and information with regard to population levels. 



I am not indicating a moratorium. That is one of the questions 

 before the committee. 



The question I am getting to you is, do you have information with 

 regard to the fact that the fur seal population has declined signifi- 

 cantly during the last few years ? 



Dr. LiNDUSKA. I would have to defer to Commerce on that. 



Mr. DiNGELL. It shows a few years ago they let them take pregnant 

 females. 



