235 



females reveal pesticide residues two to eight times higher in t'hose with aborte<l 

 pups compared to those with normal births. The Alaska fur seal whose popula- 

 tions may be adversely affected by the increasing fishery for Alaska herring, a 

 natural food for the seal, would also be included in this category. 



In both categories of research it is essential that detailed life history studies, 

 including beiiavioral and physiological work be conducted. Additionally the popu- 

 lation dynamics of the species must be worked out, particularly for those subject 

 to commercial exploitation. 



Important research needs of slightly lower priority are concerned with thKj 

 rarer marine mammals. Knowledge of the distribution, range, numbers and 

 biology of rare marine mammals is essential to their survival and is a national 

 problem of public concern. These species include t'he Hawaiian monk seal, Florida 

 manatee, ribbon seal, Guadalupe fur seal, the Caribbean monk seal, some of the 

 whales, and in local areas gray and harbor seals. 



Killer whales and bottle nose dolphins are increasingly sought for marine ex- 

 'hibition (Marineland. Seaquarium. etc.), and their abundance and biology must 

 be determined to make rational conservation decisions. 



PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION 



A comprehensive research program could be implemented by NOAA in priority 

 increments during the next 5 years at a cost of up to 12.5 million dollars (com- 

 pared to $2,250,000 as a 5-year projection at the current level of NOAA annual 

 expenditure) to pursue critical studies. The proposed program is shown in 

 Table I. 



TABLE I —NOAA MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH PROGRAM, SUGGESTED FUNDING 



{In thousands of dollars] 



Program From— To- 



Life histories of marine mammals: 

 Project: 



Biology of pinnipeds, the Florida manatee, and the sea otter... 



Biology of cetaceans 



Environmental quality... 



Population dynamics of marine mammals: 

 Project; 



Population studies of pinnipeds and sea otters 



Population stud ies of cetacea ns 



Physiology and medicine of marine mammals: 



Project: Cl'nica studies of captive fur seals 



Fur sea I rosea rch _ - 



Total...- - - 1,011 2.343 



Note: The above estimates represent simple projections of cost expressed in constant dollars at prices existing at the 

 time the estimates are prepared. They are not intended to predict future economic conditions, and do not reflect possible 

 changes in the scope or quality of the proposal w^hich might result from experience gained in actual practice. Further, 

 the resources which might appropriately be applied in later years will require a reexamination of the relative priorities of 

 this and other Government programs, In the light of economic and other circumstances then prevailing. Thus, the estimates 

 do not represent a commitment as to amounts to be included in future budgets. 



Mr. Potter. Can you tell me, Mr. Pollock, whether any permits have 

 been issued by the Department of Commerce for the taking of whales 

 since the Department of Commerce acquired jurisdiction over whales? 



]Mr. Pollock. Yes, sir; I would like to respond to complete the 

 record concerning the questions that were asked of Ambassador 

 McKernan. 



The one point I wanted to make was that originally the Secretary 

 of Commerce proposed to stop the issuance of any new commercial 

 licenses for the taking of whales that were on the endangered species 

 list effective immediately. However, the Department of the Interior 

 issued hardship exemptions that allowed companies to continue im- 

 porting whale products for 1 year (Until December 2, 1971). 



We were then faced with the anomalous position of saying our one 

 remaining company that was in the business could not take any whales 



