§ 917. Congressional findings

whales are a unique resource of great aesthetic and scientific interest to mankind and are a vital part of the marine ecosystem;

whales have been overexploited by man for many years, severely reducing several species and endangering others;

the United States has extended its authority and responsibility to conserve and protect all marine mammals, including whales, out to a two hundred nautical mile limit by enactment of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act [16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.];

the conservation and protection of certain species of whales, including the California gray, bowhead, sperm, and killer whale, are of particular interest to citizens of the United States;

increased ocean activity of all types may threaten the whale stocks found within the two hundred-mile jurisdiction of the United States and added protection of such stocks may be necessary;

there is inadequate knowledge of the ecology, habitat, requirements, and population levels and dynamics of all whales found in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and

further study of such matters is required in order for the United States to carry out its responsibilities for the conservation and protection of marine mammals.