The Federal Register

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Revisions to Observer Coverage Requirements for Vessels and

Tue, Jan 7 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues a final rule to amend regulations governing the North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (Observer Program). This action is necessary to refine observer coverage requirements and improve support for observers. This action is intended to ensure continued collection of high quality observer data to support the management objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area and the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMPs) and to promote the goals and objectives contained in those FMPs.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Monitoring of Recreational Landings; Retention Limit for Recreationally Landed

Tue, Jan 7 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS issues this final rule to amend regulations governing Atlantic billfish and North Atlantic swordfish recreational fisheries to implement recommendations adopted at the 2000 meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and enhance management programs for these species. This rule implements a mandatory recreational landings selfreporting system for Atlantic blue marlin, Atlantic white marlin, west Atlantic sailfish, and North Atlantic swordfish; establishes a recreational retention limit for North Atlantic swordfish; adds handlines as an authorized gear for North Atlantic swordfish; clarifies language concerning applicability of recreational retention limits for sharks, yellowfin tuna, and North Atlantic swordfish; clarifies language regarding the Billfish Certificate of Eligibility (COE); and makes the criterion for determining the size and/or size class the same for both vessels commercially permitted for swordfish and recreational vessels. In add

Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program

Tue, Jan 7 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The CSTAR Program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a costeffective continuum of basic and applied research to operations through collaborative research between operational forecasters and academic institutions which have expertise in the environmental sciences. These activities will engage researchers and students in applied research of interest to the operational meteorological community and improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and information to NWS products and services. The NOAA CSTAR Program is a contributing element of the U.S. Weather Research Program. NOAA's program is designed to complement other agency contributions to that national effort.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Meetings

Tue, Jan 7 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and its Ecosystems Committee, Squid, Mackerel and Butterfish Committee, Law Enforcement Committee, Highly Migratory Species AdHoc Committee, and Executive Committee will hold a public meeting.

United States Climate Change Science Program

Tue, Jan 7 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The United States Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) is announcing the availability of a draft document ``Strategic Plan for the Climate Change Science Program.'' The complete draft strategic plan was posted on the CCSP web site at http://www.climatescience.gov for public comment on November 11, 2002. The CCSP is seeking public comment in order to receive feedback from the widest range of interested parties. This draft document is being issued for comment only and is not intended for interim use. The CCSP will review public comments received on the draft document. In response to those comments, suggested changes will be incorporated, where appropriate, and a final document will be issued for use.

In your review, we ask you to provide a perspective on the content, implications, and challenges outlined in the plan as well as suggestions for any alternate approach