504 



once more could be used for nesting by tlie less numerous common, 

 roseate and Arctic terns, which regularly nested there j)rior to the gull 

 population increase. In time, it may be necessary to repeat the poison- 

 ing if tern nesting is to be encouraged, because few animal popula- 

 tions, contrary to some television programing, remain static in even 

 the most natural of conditions. Gull populations along the east coast 

 have expanded greatly in the last several decades. 



Another point I want to make is that preservation is not a substitute 

 for conservation or mana;gement. In fact, we much prefer the word 

 "management" to "conservation" in this instance, because the latter 

 is subject to many misinterpretations in the public mind. Tliere is a 

 need to be precise because this is an emotion-charged subject, and the 

 many concerned laymen should not be misled into believing that all 

 marine mammals are threatened by man's excesses or that any threats 

 that may exist will be allayed by any single or simple action. 



In this day of expanding population, rapid mobility, and complex 

 technology, we cannot accept the risks inherent in "hands off" preserva- 

 tion. To reject management programs based on scientific fact and 

 professional execution, in our view, would be to expose at least some 

 population segments of some species to possible depletion. To do so 

 would be to ignore the great progress that has been made in restoring 

 many once-depleted populations of native animals. The well-being of a 

 species is a primary goal of wildlife management. 



For this reason, Mr. Chairman, we cannot accept the thrust and 

 philosophy of H.R. 6554 and identical bills. Wliile I do not criticize the 

 motive of those bills, the plan they offer is negative. The plan holds no 

 constructive program for the better protection and enhancement of 

 marine mammals. It suggests, in fact, termination of the International 

 Convention on the Conservation of North Pacific Fur Seals, which, 

 without question is responsible for restoring that once-misused mammal 

 to an abundant and productive population level. Our several objec- 

 tions to the H.R. 6554 kind of approach are detailed in the attached 

 reprint from the Congressional Record, which carries letters to the 

 President and to all Members of Congress signed by the leaders of 

 many of our most important national conservation organizations as 

 well as other supporting information. As the national organizations 

 noted in their letter to the President : 



The application of science, not emotion, has brought back the fur seal and the 

 sea otter from the shdows of extinction to their thriving and productive popula- 

 tion levels of today. 



In the remaining few minutes, I want to discuss the elements of a 

 constructive program for marine mammals. First, I want to make clear 

 that the Institute long has been an advocate of strengthened programs 

 for marine mammals. As the chairman knows, we have discussed this 

 many times. ITnfortunately, however, it has not been possible to get 

 administration officials or Appropriations Committees interested in the 

 subject. 



A sound program for marine mammals should provide adequate au- 

 thority, funding, and manpower, should seek active full-partner input 

 by State wildlife agencies in program development, and in research, 

 management, and law-enforcement activities, and should direct appro- 

 priate Federal officials to intensify efforts to reach new international 

 agreements and understandings. 



