234 



Mr. Pollock. I understand you, Mr. Chairman. 

 (The information follows:) 



Fn^E-YEAR Cost Estimates Under the Proposed Department of Commerce 



Revision of H.R. 10420 



The objective of the marine mammal research program is to gain sufficient 

 knowledge so that intelligent decisions may be made about the conservation and 

 use of marine mammals. 



The current marine mammal research program of the National Marine 

 Fisheries Service is directed toward obligations of the United Staltes to the 

 Convention for the Conservation of North Pacific Fur Seals, to the International 

 Whaling Commission, and to solving the problem of releasing porpoises from 

 tuna purse seines. The fiscal year 1972 budget for these programs is $394,000. The 

 development of a more exltensive research program on marine mammals would 

 require the collection and analysis of additional information. Annual costs of 

 such a research program could initially range from $394,000 with redirection of 

 current programs, to as high as the $l-$2.5 million level, depending on results. 



Management and enforcement activities might involve some increased staffing 

 for the NaJtional Marine Fisheries Service in the field. The estimated costs of the 

 expanded operation would be between $100,000 and $200,000 per year. 



Marine Mammal Research 



Marine mammals are divided among the following groups: Carnivora (sea 

 otter), Pinnipedia (seals, sea lions, and walruses), Sirenia (dugong and mana- 

 tees), Mysticeti (baleen whales), and Odontoceti (toothed whales, dolphins, and 

 porpoises). A few other species, such as the polar bear and Cape Horn otter, 

 spend much time in the marine environment and could be classified as marine 

 mammals. 



Information should be developed for all marine mammals sufficient to answer 

 the basic questions regarding their biology, abundance, and their ecological rela- 

 tionships to each other and to other living resources of the sea. 



With the exception of the northern fur seal and some of the large whales, little 

 information is available on which to ba.se effective marine mammal conservation 

 programs. In fact, there is so little information on the abundance of species com- 

 monly seen by the public, such as the harbor seal, northern sea lion, and killer 

 whale, that it is not possible to say whether their numbers are increasing or 

 decreasing. Even less information is available for small cetaceans. 



We must obtain as much information as possible to insure preservation of 

 marine mammals. A few species are so rare that only observational information 

 should be gathered. One species : the Caribbean monk seal, may now be extinct. 

 Its statu.s should be established, and if this seal still exists, special protective 

 efforts should be taken. 



The development of a basic marine mammals research program will require 

 the close cooperation of an international level of scientists from the government, 

 academic and private community. A significant barrier to such a program at the 

 current time is the shortage of highly qualified scientists capable of assisting in 

 the studies. It may be anticipated, however, as the program evolves, an increas- 

 ing capability will be developed and the manpower shortage will be overcome. 

 A further barrier to progress is the requirement for international cooperation in 

 regard to the marine mammals whose life history involves extensive migrations 

 in international waters. It may also be anticipated, however, that appropriate 

 agreements will eventually be developed. 



As a result of the above limitations it is essential to establish immediate re- 

 search priorities and gradually expand the studies as money, manpower and the 

 neces.sary international agreements are attained. 



Highest priority for study should be given to those species : 



a. Threatened by commercial exploitation either by intentional fishing or 

 inadvertent capture in the pursuit of other species. 



b. Affected by contaminants, loss of habitat or food supply. 



Species falling into the first category would include virtually all species of 

 large whales and the tropical iwrpoises which are currently being captured in 

 the yellowfin tuna fishery. 



The second category would include studies of California sea lions — there has 

 been almost no survival of pups in recent years while tissue samples from adult 



