57 



it through the first few months, which are for most mammals the 

 most difficult in their lifespan. 



It is quite possible that numbers of animals are bom in the wild 

 and then simply disappear before field biologists can even see 

 them. 



Senator Kerry. But that is not a fair measurement. The meas- 

 urement would be firom their point of more significant viability. I 

 mean, I assume once they reach a certain size and once they are 

 out there, then there is a lifespan differential that significantly in- 

 creases. 



Dr. Rose. I would also like to mention that the annual mortality 

 statistics that I mentioned take into account an estimated number 

 of calves born that were never observed, just as Dr. Hutchins was 

 mentioning that these animals die before they are observed. It 

 takes into account an estimated number of those. 



Senator Kerry. What other research would you say is significant 

 that you could cite? 



Dr. Hutchins. Well, one of the things that has been done is to 

 sort of discount the research that is related to the keeping of these 

 animals and the breeding of these animals in captivity, and I think 

 the technologies that are being developed around these kinds of 

 things could be very critical in the future. And, again, we cannot 

 predict whether or not these things will be valuable at some point 

 in time. 



There are numerous marine mammals that are highly endan- 

 gered and captive breeding may be critical in the recovery of these 

 species, and I will give you some examples. Mr. Prescott mentioned 

 the baiji river dolphin. The Chinese have asked for expertise on the 



f>ossibility of breeding this animal in captivity. I think there are 

 ess than 200 in the wild, and continuing to decline. The Mediterra- 

 nean monk seal, for instance, has declined very rapidly due to ca- 

 nine distemper. 



We need this technology to intervene when necessary. So, that is 

 a critical aspect of the research, but there are many other things 

 as well. The development of technologies as a result of research has 

 direct application to field conservation activities and field research 

 activities. For example, methods used to identify animals or to 

 track and monitor them using biotelemetry or radiotelemetry are 

 first tested on animals in captivity. And then those technologies, 

 once they have been developed, can then be transferred to the field. 

 So, there are many, many examples of where this is quite bene- 

 ficial. 



Senator Kerry. Let me ask a few reauthorization specific ques- 

 tions that we need to think about beyond this broader issue. 



Last year we amended the MMPA to deal with stranded animals 

 and tried to strengthen our Federal effort. Folks at the New Eng- 

 land Aquarium have done a tremendous job at responding to 

 strandings. I gather you do about 500 strandings each year and 

 you spend about $100,000 per year with hours of volunteer service. 



Has the amendment helped; has it been sufficient in dealing with 

 the stranding issue? Are there additional changes we need to think 

 about that might strengthen our response to strandings? 



Dr. Prescott. The stranding response has been interesting. It 

 has really been more dependent on public awareness. As awareness 



