355 



But to answer specifically your question, it appears we are talking 

 about these mostly larger porpoise, 5 to 6 feet. 



Mr. Anderson. Now, there are several ocean mammal protection 

 bills before this committee. Several of the bills would place a definite 

 fine of $5,000, or a 1-year imprisonment for anyone killing or harrass- 

 ing certain ocean mammals. 



What would that type of bill with such a penalty provision in it, 

 do to the tuna fishing industry ? 



Would you be able to purse seine at all ? 



Mr. Felando. No, it would be almost fatal to the U.S. fishing fleet 

 and I just do not see how we would be able to operate under the con- 

 servation program that we have now. 



I might bring out another fact that I question about this number 

 figure. We have been under Federal regulation as to the production 

 of tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific since 1966. 



As you know, an international commmission composed of six coun- 

 tries have been in existence since 1950 covering the conservation of the 

 tuna as in the eastern Pacific. 



We have an open season and a closed season. 



The regulatory area which encompasses about 3 million square 

 miles, the area we are talking about north of the Equator, up to 

 about 20 degrees nortli latitude and out to about 122 or 110 longitude 

 in some areas, this area is substantially closed durinc: the closed sea- 

 son so there is a reduction of fishing effort for about 7 months in this 

 area. 



This is one reason why I really question the figure that they have 

 raised. 



Really, there is only a season for the yellowfin tuna which is pri- 

 marily associated with the porpoise for about 4i/^ months. 



What happens is that the fleet then adjusts to the conservation 

 regulations just like we have now. 



We have about 21 vessels in the Atlantic, another 20 or so vessels 

 outside the regulatory area and the balance of the fleet are more or 

 less located in fishing areas where tuna schools are not associated 

 with the porpoise. 



This is one reason I question the figures brought out. 



We feel there is already some de facto regulation, you know, over 

 and above what we are doing with regard to escape mechanisms so 

 there is a real question whether there is a substantial impact on the 

 porpoise population as has been raised publicly. 



Mr. Anderson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. DiNGELL. The committee thanks you for your presence and your 

 very helpful information. 



Our next witness is Mr. Eugene Dreisen, American Fur Merchants 

 Association. 



Mr. Dreisen, we are happv to welcome you back to the committee for 

 such statement as you choose to give. 



I notice you have with you some of your associates and counsel and 

 if you will see to it that you are fully identified for purposes of the 

 record, and also that the gentlemen with you are identified by name, 

 you may proceed. 



