Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION, Raleigh, N.C., May 20, 1964. Chairman, House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, Cannon Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BONNER: We have been advised that the Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Subcommittee of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries House Committee is holding hearings on May 26-28 on H.R. 2392 and other similar bills designed to be of benefit in the conservation of our anadromous fishery resources. It is our purpose to commend to you the hope that H.R. 2392, as amended by H.R. 11160, be considered favorably. In North Carolina, we have several problem areas where both the sport and commercial fishery resources of the State might be preserved and enhanced as a result of the passage of this proposed legislation. For example, there is a disease problem in the Chowan River fishery which needs biological investigation beyond our means and ability. On the Roanoke River we need research to develop a hatchery system which will make it possible to raise striped bass fry to the fingering stage before stocking. It is expected that a series of flood control impoundments will be developed on the Neuse River in the foreseeable future, and methods must be found to pass shad and striped bass to their present spawning grounds. On the Cape Fear River, we need additional assistance in devising methods of passing shad past the existing ship locks in the barge canal so that more than 100 miles of potential spawning grounds may be used by these fish as they were before the locks were constructed. We believe that favorable consideration of H.R. 2392, as amended by H.R. 11160, will be of great help in the solution of these pressing fishery problems concerning the anadromous fisheries. Very truly yours, J. H. CORNELL, Chief, Division of Inland Fisheries. STATE OF NEW JERSEY, Trenton, N.J., May 28, 1964. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BONNER: The New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development, through the division of fish and game, wishes to recommend favorable consideration of H.R. 2392. There is evidence that water-resource developments on the Federal, State, and private levels can, under certain conditions, seriously affect the Nation's anadromous resources. We believe it timely that the Secretary of the Interior should be authorized to act under H.R. 2392 in those instances where there is a definite need to provide for the conservation, development, and enhancement of the Nation's anadromous fish in cooperation with the several States and, therefore, we wish to register our support in behalf of H.R. 2392. Sincerely yours, Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, ROBERT A. ROE, STATE OF OREGON, FISH COMMISSION OF OREGON, Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, DEAR CONGRESSMAN BONNER: We have been advised that the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation has scheduled hearings on H.R. 2392 on May 26-28, 1964, in Washington, D.C. We assume the record will be kept open a short time to accept additional testimony. We are submitting this letter in conformance with this. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Interior to initiate a program for the conservation, development, and enhancement of the Nation's anadromous fish 35-230-64-7 in cooperation with the several States. It provides wide latitude for conducting badly needed work on improving the stock of anadromous fish. Runs of anadronmeus fish which enter inland waters of Oregon include four species of salmon as well as steelhead, shad, smelt, sturgeon, and striped bass. All contribute to sport and/or commercial fisheries within the State and some in offshore waters. In addition, large numbers of these salmon are taken in the ocean sport and commercial fisheries off California, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. The bulk of the fish still result from natural spawning, but hatcheries and other artificial propagation practices are contributing increas ingly significant numbers. The encroachment of civilization, in many cases without providing adequate consideration for anadromous fish, is jeoparding the future of certain runs. In other situations, the actual production is only a small fraction of the potential because of man's disregard for nature. If given the opportunity and conditions, nature can produce healthy anadromous fish far cheaper and more successfully than man. It is foolish indeed for us to continue to refuse nature's assistance or to not take steps to correct existing situations which will let nature, with an assist from man, realize some of its former potential. Recent gains in technical knowledge enable us to improve the existing situation in many areas and provide for increased production from them. There is a very significant amount of work in Oregon which would qualify under the provisions of the bill and which could measurably improve the conditions of certain stocks. More research is needed on why runs of coastwide importance fluctuate in abundance so markedly within relative short time periods. Environmental improvement of many types is in order and unquestionably would be of value in increasing production. Various artificial propagation activities in heretofore neglected areas could help restore their production and contribute fish to the expanding fisheries. Low summer water flows in many salmon and steelhead streams restrict production. Relatively small dams near the headwaters could provide improved water quality, quantity, and temperature resulting in more fish on a continuing basis. Benefits to other segments of the public could accrue from such a program. The Oregon Fish Commission supports the intent of H.R. 2392 which is to conserve, develop, and enhance the Nation's anadromous fish. We do suggest some changes, however. Section 2 should be modified to require concurrence of the State fish and game agency or agencies before embarking upon any program. Merely consulting with them in our opinion does not adequately acknowledge the sovereign rights and responsibilities of the States. If the program is to improve the fisheries resources of the State, the responsible State authorities should be in accord with it. In pursuing this thinking further, section 5 should provide for concurrence of the appropriate State agencies in fund allocation between Federal and State, and other non-Federal entities. Certainly if the State is expected to contribute financially to a project, it should participate in the decision on prorating the cost. This consideration should exist even if it were agreed that the Federal Government would bear the entire cost or share it with a non-State entity. The resource is still primarily the responsibility of the individual States. The Columbia River fishery development program should not in any way be affected by this bill. Oregon contributes State funds to the overall program in hatcheries, stream surveys, monitoring the commercial fishery, and various management activities. The program has made and is making a very valuable contribution to the maintenance of the important runs of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River. The fruits of the program are shared on a coastwide basis as a result of the extensive oceanic migration of the stock involved. We would not want to see this excellent progress retarded or stopped. We appreciate the opportunity to have our comments made a part of the hearing record. Sincerely, ROBERT W. SCHONING, Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, THE RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA, Chairman, House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN BONNER: Among the numerous bills pertaining to anadromous fish, which have been introduced in this session of Congress, are included H.R. 2392 (Dingell) and identical bills H.R. 3195 (Moss), H.R. 3314 (Johnson), H.R. 3697 (McFall), H.R. 3779 (Miller), H.R. 4225 (Cohelan), all of California, and H.R. 6856 (Tupper) of Maine. Legislation of this type has been previously supported by California, including testimony before your committee in September 1962 when we supported H.R. 11343, Hagen, of California, and other identical bills such as H.R. 11356 sponsored by the late Congressman from California, Clem Miller. These bills were originally directed solely to California salmon-steelhead problems, but subsequently the legislation now before Congress has come to include many bills, some identical, which would provide for "conservation, development, and enhancement of the Nation's anadromous fish in cooperation with the several States." S. 759 (Engle) is a similar bill on the Senate side. The Resources Agency of the State of California believes that legislation of this kind is essential to the future of our anadromous fish resources. The continuing development of water projects has resulted in placing extreme restrictions on the maintenance and enhancement of anadromous fish populations, due to limitations of access to spawning grounds, increased fish losses through diversion canals, direct loss of spawning gravel by construction or flooding, etc. Groups, such as Salmon Unlimited under the leadership of Mr. William Grader, here in California have cooperated and worked with the department of fish and game to sponsor and support legislation needed to implement essential programs which appear to be the last hope for conserving or enhancing our anadromous fisheries resources. I wish to call upon you to support legislation such as here referred to, and do most earnestly urge that you take what action you deem appropriate to bring those bills now before your committee to a full and prompt hearing. Historic fisheries, such as salmon and steelhead, will suffer further and may even go to extinction in some areas unless rapid remedial action is taken. The Resources Agency of California urgently requests that these bills be heard and favorably acted upon. This agency stands ready to assist in any way with supplemental information or action as you may desire. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Hon. JOHN D. DINGELL, U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, HUGO FISHER, Administrator. STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES, Olympia, Wash., June 2, 1964. DEAR MR. DINGELL: The Washington Department of Fisheries urges passage of H.R. 11160. Anadromous fishes are among the most valuable yet most vulnerable of our fishery resources. These fish require unimpeded passage, often for long distances, through clean, unaltered, natural waters. The needs of our people for water for a multitude of purposes, require structures and practices detrimental to anadromous fishes. In a number of cases wateruse practices have exterminated valuable runs of fish. On the other hand, damage may be minimized, prevented, or mitigated by various means. Many examples exist of the creation of new runs and of increasing the natural run of fish. Further application of modern technology can be expected to improve present management techniques and point to new paths. Increasingly effective management of anadromous fishes can confidently be expected to yield better harvests. Money is needed to invest in better manage ment. At the State level the need for research, structures, equipment, and techniques has outstripped financing to the point that it is difficult to do more than break even. The State agencies know their areas, their problems, and have at hand projects that only await financing to proceed. The anadromous fish resources benefit our entire Nation through a yield of recreation, food, and jobs. At the same time the pressures of civilization upon the environment of these fish are those of the entire Nation. Indeed, many projects directly affecting fish are those of Federal agencies. Three of the most important types of projects are those for flood control, production of electrical energy, and irrigation. H.R. 11160 is a vehicle whereby the need and first-hand knowledge of the States can, with Federal aid, be linked in a nationwide program for the betterment of the anadromous fish runs. Timing is critical and the need urgent and we of the Washington Department of Fisheries request favorable action by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Very truly yours, GEORGE C. STARLUND, Director. BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Hon. J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor of Maryland, State House, DEAR GOVERNOR TAWES: At a regular meeting on May 21 the board of natural resources reveiwed the provisions of two Federal bills on which hearings are now in progress in the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. The two bills, H.R. 2392 and H.R. 11160, are nearly identical. Both would provide for conservation, development, and enhancement of the Nation's anadromous fish in cooperation with the several States. The board of natural resources strongly urges your support and the support of Maryland Members of Congress for H.R. 2392 and/or H.R. 11160. Anadromous (migratory) fish such as shad, alewives, and striped bass are the most valuable species in the Maryland catch. The annual migrations of these species cover several States, and the conservation plans of one State are relatively ineffective without complementary plans of other States in the range of each species. Because no single State is responsible or effective in the maintenance of anadromous fish, the conservation of these species has been neglected. Accordingly, we strongly urge the enactment of Federal legislation which will enable the Department of the Interior and the coastal States to join in a coordinated program for the preservation and enhancement of populations of anadromous fish. Sincerely yours, JOSEPH H. MANNING, Chariman. THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The history, present condition, and possibility of development of the alewife fishery of Massachusetts has been of intense interest to the Commonwealth for more than 40 years. Since that time, there has been a slow but determined effort to improve the passageways for anadromous fish from salt water to the spawning grounds. Sport fishermen catch the first striped bass using live alewives as bait. The millions of juvenile alewives returning to the sea provide food for the various species of sport and commercial fish frequenting our coastal waters. At the present time 87 fish ladders are in operation, and 5 additional ladders are in the planning stage. Construction is being carried out at the rate of approximately one per year due to the inadequacy of present personnel and funds, but despite this limitation the commercial catch has increased from an average of 21⁄2 million pounds prior to 1940 to a high of 30 million pounds in 1959. A cooperative program such as proposed under H.R. 11160 would bring the anadromous fish development program to the desired level in Massachusetts. May I urge that favorable action be taken in support of this important conservation measure. Sincerely yours, CHARLES H. W. FOSTER, Commissioner. STATE OF CONNECTICUT, BOARD OF FISHERIES AND GAME, Hartford, Conn., May 20, 1964. Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BONNER: I am extremely interested in passage of H.R. 2392, or some similar measure as might be modified by the Secretary of the Interior, such as I understand is represented by H.R. 11160. Connecticut once had important runs of anadromous fishes in the three major rivers (Thames, Connecticut, and Housatonic) and in several small coastal streams. Of these rich resources, only the still important Connecticut River shad run remains. In an area such as Connecticut which went through an early development of waterways for the production of waterpower for factories and hydroelectric power, and the inevitable accompanying pollution of the waterways, anadromous species are extremely important. It may be that it is unrealistic to anticipate an early restoration of the Atlantic salmon run in the Connecticut River which was important to our colonial forefathers as is well substantiated by historical documents, but it is not unrealistic to believe that aggressive State and Federal action could further increase the Connecticut shad run, could restore a substantial run of this species to the Thames River system, and could initiate important runs of anadromous brown trout to the Thames and Connecticut systems, as well as other similar coastal streams in the not too distant future. We have already gone through the pilot plant stage on this later anadromous species and with most encouraging results. I personally have become convinced after some nearly 30 years in fish and game work in this State that action on a broader and more comprehensive base than is possible in any one State such as ours, is necessary if these promising possibilities for better runs of anadromous fishes are to be realized. I do urge favorable consideration of your committee of this legislation. LYLE M. THORPE, Director. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, Hon. HERBERT C. BONNER, Chairman, Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, DEAR MR. BONNER: I have been informed that your Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries will hold hearings at an early date on H.R. 2392 and other identical or similar bills. This legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with and assist States in conserving and developing national anadromous fishery resources. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission wishes to record its interest in an approval of this legislation. While our anadromous fishery resources is not as extensive as in some other States, we do have a material interest in perpetuating anadromous fisheries in the Delaware and restoring them to the Susquehanna River. |