Ken McDermond, Deputy Director in the California and Nevada Region, gave testimony on the Administration’s position on HR 3639 on April 24 before the House Natural Resources Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee. HR 3639, sponsored by Congressman Sam Farr (CA-) authorizes a research program for the recovery of southern sea otters (SSO) and appropriations of up to $500,000.

Because the Service already performs many of the functions outlined in the legislation and because there are existing authorities provided by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, the Administration does not support enactment of the bill.  Mr. McDermond also testified on the status of otter recovery and some of the challenges facing that program. Mr. McDermond emphasized the benefits from model collaboration with our partners in sea otter recovery, including the U.S. Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division, California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey Bay Aquarium, University of California, Santa Cruz, University of California, Davis, The Marine Mammal Center, Defenders of Wildlife, and others.  Mr. McDermond's testimony is available on the Natural Resources Committee website .