312 



use of available manpower and funds to solve the most important 

 problems. When the areas of most serious problems are isolated, the 

 measures to provide protection should be complete and unyielding. 



Finally, each member of the Alaska delegation shares the view that 

 special mention must be made of the needs of Alaska's Natives, espe- 

 cially the residents of the Pribilof Islands. For years, certain species 

 of ocean mammals have supplied the means of subsistence to many 

 groups of Alaska Natives. The management of the species utilized 

 for subsistence has been in all respects admirable, and we share the view 

 that subsistence rights should not be in any manner diminished by new 

 legislation. 



With specific regard to the Pribilof Islanders, their yearly seal 

 harvest has been, in our view, unjustly maligned in information dis- 

 tributed recently. This harvest, carried out under the policies of the 

 Four Nation North Pacific Fur Seal Convention, has resulted not only 

 in the progression of the seal herd from near extinction to a full 

 healthy herd, but has also provided the only practical source of income 

 for over 600 residents of the Pribilof Islands. Although more will be 

 said on this topic by each member of the Delegation in separate 

 statement, it is our conviction that the present treaty should remain 

 unchanged along with the present successful program of management 



in this area. 



Mr. Chairman, this concludes the statement on behalf of the entire 

 Alaska delegation. I appreciate the courtesy of the committee in hear- 

 ing our testimony at this time. I wish to express my appreciation for 

 the participation of my distinguished colleagues from Alaska in this 

 hearing. At this time, Mr. Chairman, each member of the delegation 

 would like to make a statement on this most important legislation. 



Mr. DiNGELL. You may proceed. 



Mr. Beoich. Thank you. 



STATEMENT OF HON. NICK BEGICH, A REPRESENTATIVE IN 

 CONGRESS PROM THE STATE OF ALASKA 



Mr. Beoich. Mr. Chairman, the statement which I submitted on be- 

 half of all members of the Alaska delegation captures the essence of my 

 separate remarks as well. I continue for the purpose of adding detail to 

 those remarks and elaborating on the direction I believe should be 

 taken to protect marine mammals. 



Alaska bears a special relationship to this legislation as Alaska 

 provides the habitat for most of tlie species being studied here. The sea 

 otter, polar bear, walrus, hair and fur seal and several types of whale 

 are all found in Alaska and its waters. For years, the State of Alaska 

 has recognized these ocean mammals both as an important natural 

 resource and as a responsibility. I am aware that statements will be sub- 

 mitted by the State of Alaska to these hearings, but I would also as- 

 sure the committee of the State's commitment to the sfoals of the legisla- 

 tion beina: considered here. I share in this commitment, and would 

 offer the following comments for your consideration. 



First, the crucial need in this or any other area of enviromnental 

 protection is for adequate information. Few of us can deny that we 

 have come to the entire environmental issue late, and must strive to 

 regain lost ground. At the same time, I believe it can be agreed that the 



