464 



and contribute something useful to all of us in achieving optimum 

 management of these species. 



In our view, section 109 should be redrawn to provide speciiically 

 for cooperative research and development programs. 



It should also be made clear that the integrity of State manage- 

 ment activity should be maintained with respect to the truly resident 

 species of ocean mammals. 



In this connection we should be pleased to work with the subcom- 

 mittee in fashioning language suitable to this end. 



Mr. DiNGELL. Mr. McKean, it would be appreciated if you would 

 submit through your very able comisel, Mr. Lenzini, for whom I have 

 great respect, such comments in the nature of amendatory suggestions 

 as you would, if you please. 



I also note that you earlier suggested that you had some data and 

 information that you thought might be helpful for the record, but 

 perhaps it might be duplicative. 



Submit it to us anyway and we will let the information speak for 

 itself on that particular point. 



Without objection, both items referred to will appear in the record 

 at this point. 



(The information referred to follows :) 



Statement of International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation 



Commissioners 



The International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commissioners 

 opposes H.R. 6554 and seeks amendments to H.R 10420 which would reserve 

 to the states management responsibility for marine mammals that normally re- 

 side within the three-mile coastal zone and broaden Section 109 of the Bill to 

 authorize federal cooperation in the development and management of marine 

 mammals, but not pre-empt established state jurisdictions. 



The reasons for these positions are as follows : 



1. Complete protection of ocean mammals, as proposed in H.R. 6554, could re- 

 sult in overpopulation, overutilization of food sources lowered reproduction 

 and a waste of potential 'human benefits. 



2. Harbor seals, manatees, sea otter and sea lions are primarily inhabitants 

 of waters veithin the three-mile limit of state coastlines. Research and manage- 

 ment programs are being conducted by the states and the populations are re- 

 sponding favorably. These resident species are not in jeopardy and there is no 

 cause for the federal government to claim title to them. The beluga whale in 

 Alaska and the killer whale in Puget 'Sound of Washington are cetaceans that 

 normally occur within the three-snile limit and should be subject to manage- 

 ment by those states. 



3. Porpoises, dolphins and most whales commonly inhabit areas outside the 

 states' jurisdiction. H.R. 10402, with suggested amendments, would instruct the 

 Secretary of Interior to estahlis'h active management programs for pelagic 

 species and to enter, when necessary, into international agreement for research 

 on and conservation of whales, porpoises and dolphins. 



Federal protection and management of whales, propoises, dolphins and fur 

 seals in territorial and international waters is endorsed by the International 

 Association. 



4. .States have qualified personnel experien<?ed in marine mammal research 

 and management. The federal proposal would replace or duplicate existing and 

 potential state programs. 



5. The management of marine mammals, other than whales, porpoises, dol- 

 phins and fur seals can best be executed by the individual states. Most coastal 

 states are engaged in comprehensive planning for development and management 

 of coastal marine resources. Authority to protect and manage animal popula- 

 tions within the coastal zone is essential if maximum benefits are to be achieved. 



6. Section 109 of H.R. 10420 authorizes the Secretary of Interior to enter into 

 cooperative agreements with the states for conservation and protection of 

 marine mammals. The Association recommends that the objective of this section 



