350 



that I have had with vessel operators, we expect most of the boats to 

 chan<;e over by t lie beginning of next year. 



On the basis of just how meaningful it is in the success of the fisli- 

 ing operations and on the basis of what lias happened in the fleet 

 before, we just feel that all the vessels will be forced by virute of the 

 competition alone, to make the changeover. 



At that time, I think we will be able to come up with strong evidence 

 that this new modification is very successful. 



Mr. Kyros. If they are going to modify without any legislation caus- 

 ing them to do it, then what about cost of changeover? 



Would not there be individual tunaboat operators who would not 

 change because they are in areas by themselves ? 



Mr. Felando. No. The cost is betwen $2,200 and $3,000. 



In one set, in one successful set, you have already doubled that. 



Mr. Medina. Let me say not only for saving the poi-poise, but when 

 I am out there and I make a set and I finish an hour before my com- 

 petitor, I guarantee you he is going to put that webbing on. He will 

 have to, to compete. 



We do not have enough data, but we are really happy with the re- 

 sult. I think it is a fantastic thing. 



Mr. Kyros. So a law that was in accordance with your testimony 

 this morning would not be oppressive to you or the industry, or to the 

 tuna fishermen. 



Mr. Felando. My ansrvver would be yes right now, without seeing 

 the language, 



Mr. Kyros. Well, in terms of your language, and with the use of 

 your net method. Would that be oppressive to the tmia industry ? 



Mr. Felando. It would not be oppressive. We are hoping that we 

 can develop even better tecliniques than what we have now. 



We think this is the answer, but it is too early to say. 



This is going to take us a little time to satisfy anyone who examines 

 the process. 



My answer to you right now is "Yes." 



Mr. Kyros. There is no way other than the net to avoid catching 

 dolphins along with the tunafish, I take it ? 



Mr. Felando. We have tried all kinds of ways. We have tried to 

 work with sounds. We have known that for over 40 years that certain 

 sound frequencies have an impact on poq^oise. 



Right now, we think that our best answer is this new modification 

 of the net, but we are always ready to hear of anything new or 

 anything better than what we are doing. 



Mr. Kyros. Has the Federal Government, through the Bureau of 

 Commercial Fisheries, presented ideas and suggestions to you? 



Mr. Felando. We talked with them in early 1970 about a gate. Ac- 

 tually, some of the fishermen have tried a gate earlier and we felt that 

 their gate system — and actually we had a vessel try it out in December 

 1970 and we felt that it would not work. We think recent experiments 

 by the Government have shown we were right. 



Mr. Kyros. People are very concerned right now about Campbell's 

 products. Have tuna sales gone up ? 



Mr. Felando. Right now, we have no difficulty selling our product 

 to the canners. I can only assume that sales are good. 



Mr. Kyros. I notice my daughter's cat eats tunafish in the morning. 



Are you selling a lot of tunafish for animal food? 



