391 



Foreign fishing fleets are increasing in size in waters off our coasts 

 and their increased catches undoubtedly have a marked effect on the 

 marine mammals competing with them for food. 



These and many other factors must be studied for several years by 

 competent scientists to assess their imanediate and long-term effects on 

 marine mammal populations before any meaningful quota can be 

 established for taking these animals. 



The last decade has seen much progress on these matters and a wider 

 awareness that the time has come when immediate steps are necessary 

 to preserve such assets before their depletion has gone beyond a point 

 of no return. 



In continuing on the legislation, Mr. Chairman, we fear the termi- 

 nation of the Interim Convention of 1957 on the Conservation of the 

 Fur Seal, if the unamended version of the Harris-Pryor bill were con- 

 sidered we could not support this because of the fear of resumption of 

 pelagic sealing. 



We feel H.R. 10420 is worthy of consideration after certain changes 

 have been made. 



I feel these changes should include the section that provides for the 

 taking of marine mammals which occurs as an incident to commercial 

 fishing operations is unacceptable considering the number of porpoise 

 taken by the tima fishermen and the already hard-pressed tuna indus- 

 try as the gentlemen who were here earlier described, we feel the bill 

 should include funds for studying new methods to be employed in the 

 taking of tuna which would cause no harm to porpoises. 



Perhaps I had better read our entire recommendations. 



No. 1, an import restriction on all products derived from marine 

 mammals. 



No. 2, the section which provides an exception for the taking of ma- 

 rine mammals "which occurs as an incident to commercial fishing 

 operations" is unacceptable. Considering the number of porpoises taken 

 by tuna fishermen and the already hard-pressed tuna fishing industry, 

 we feel that the bill should provide : 



(a) Fimds for studying new methods to be employed in the taking 

 of tuna which would cause no harm to porpoises ; 



( b ) For setting a deadline for use of the current method, and ; 



(c) For a form of inspection to determine porpoise mortality and 

 for setting further guidelines for poi-poise protection. 



No. 3, we feel the structure of the Commission to be appointed should 

 allow for unpaid advisers representing conservation and humane 

 interests. 



No. 4, because of the lack of information on population dynamics 

 and unknown factors influencing the population levels of marine mam- 

 mals such as recent developments showing accumulation of certain 

 toxic metals, pesticides, and other forms of pollution, adequate funds 

 should be made available to undertake relevant studies to restore 

 marine mammal stocks to full biological productivity. A 10-year ban 

 on the taking of all marine mammals should be implemented immedi- 

 ately while this study is being undertaken. ISPA staff is willing to 

 cooperate and work with your office should you wish. In the mean- 

 time, we would appreciate the Commission's consideration of the above 

 proposals. 



67-765 O - 71 - 26 



