PROGRAM CHARTER

FOR

**ECOSYSTEM OBSERVATIONS PROGRAM (EOP)**

**1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**.

NOAA's Ecosystem Observation Program (EOP) is a partnership between four
Line Offices, NOAA Fisheries Service, NOAA Research, National Ocean
Service, and NOAA Satellites and Information. It was created to
represent NOAA's ecosystem observing activities that are related to and
support the Ecosystem Mission Goal. The Program includes multiple
coastal and oceanic observing systems and, in partnership with other
observing efforts, provides support to the Programs and Matrices
internal and external to the Goal. It provides scientific information on
the status of living coastal and marine resources and their habitat by
conducting monitoring and observing activities, producing routine
assessments and forecasts of the current and future states of these
resources and the ecosystems as a whole, and distributing this
information to NOAA's clients and resource users. This compliments the
scientific contribution of the Ecosystem Research Program (ERP), which
conducts research leading to the development of new products, technology
and information. The two programs work together in that the ERP
products, once operational, contribute to the EOP's activities, and the
EOP's observations feed back into the ERP's research and modeling.

The Program is driven by multiple mandates to provide the monitoring and
routine assessments required to ensure the long-term health, quality,
and sustainability of living coastal and marine resource populations and
their habitats. To this end, the EOP plays an important role in
supporting NOAA's ecosystem-based management efforts. Examples of our
mandates include: U.S. Ocean Action Plan, Magnuson Stevens Fisheries
Conservation and Management Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act,
Endangered Species Act and the National Coastal Monitoring Act.

The EOP's current capabilities represent routine monitoring, assessment,
and operational forecasts of living marine and coastal resources and
their environment that directly support management decisions. The EOP
also includes data/information management and quality assurance
activities, as well as the production of routine scientific and
technical reports (e.g., living marine resource stock assessments). The
program supports appropriate collaborative linkages to all Ecosystem
Goal Programs (Corals, Habitat, Coastal & Marine Resources Program,
Protected Species, Fisheries Management, Enforcement, ERP, Aquaculture),
other Goal Teams (e.g., Climate, Weather & Water), and NOAA Councils
(e.g., Observing Council and Ocean Council). The Program provides a
strong ecosystem component to NOAA's contribution to the Integrated
Ocean Observing System (IOOS), being developed by Ocean.U.S.

The Ecosystem Observations Program represents the primary NOAA ecosystem
observing activities included in NOAA's Observing System Architecture
and NOAA's contribution to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System
(IOOS). The EOP's compliancy with the Data Management and Communications
(DMAC) standards and protocols will ensure the Ecosystem Programs, i.e.,
the Ecosystem Goal, will support interoperability and seamless
transmission of ecosystem-based observational data among NOAA Line
Offices, intra-agency, state, academia, and others. This will involve
the utilization of current and future technologies to access and manage
data and information.

The EOP's data gathering activities are conducted from ships, aircraft,
and other platforms within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, on the high
seas, and within other countries' waters as determined by the conditions
of treaties and agreements to which the U.S. is signatory. The EOP
conducts the necessary analysis, assessments, forecasts, system
development and data quality, information transfer, outreach and
education activities primarily at NOAA facilities around the country.

EOP website: http://www.st.nmfs.gov/eop/

**Board of Directors:** Chaired by the Program Manager who has 51% of
the vote concerning all programmatic decisions. Membership includes the
EOP Program Manager and the Managers or their representatives from each
of the Ecosystem Goal Team programs. The Board provides the program
manager with advice and guidance on program policy, program composition,
and reviews, comments and clears on draft program materials produced by
the program's Support Team (see below). Membership of the EOP Board
includes:

Program Manager

Ecosystem Research Program Manager or representative

Protected Species Program Manager or representative

Fisheries Management Program Manager or representative

Aquaculture Program Manager or representative

Enforcement Program Manager or representative

Coastal & Marine Resources Program Manager or representative

Habitat Program Manager or representative

Corals Program Manager or representative

**2. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS-** See Appendix A for complete list

A.  **Requirement Drivers**

[Summary of Major Requirements Drivers (Appendix A has complete
list)]{.underline}

*[Legislative Authorities]{.underline}*

1.  Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (1976,
    1996)

-   National Standard 1 "Conservation and management measures shall
    prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the
    optimum yield from each fishery for the United States fishing
    industry."

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-   National Standard 2 - Conservation and management measures shall be
    based upon the best scientific information available. The Secretary
    is responsible for producing a document that provides Councils with
    a summary of information concerning the most recent biological
    condition of stocks and marine ecosystems.\
    Fishery Management Plans must specify objective and measurable
    criteria for identifying when the fishery to which the plan applies
    is overfished (with an analysis of how the criteria were determined
    and the relationship of the criteria to the reproductive potential
    of stocks of fish in that fishery)

-   National Standard 5 "Conservation and management measures shall,
    where practicable, consider efficiency in the utilization of fishery
    resources; except that no such measure shall have economic
    allocation as its sole purpose."

-   National Standard 7 "Conservation and management measures shall,
    where practicable, minimize costs and avoid unnecessary
    duplication."

-   National Standard 8 "(8) Conservation and management measures shall,
    consistent with the conservation requirements of this Act (including
    the prevention of overfishing and rebuilding of overfished stocks),
    take into account the importance of fishery resources to fishing
    communities

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-   Conserve and manage the fishery resource off the U.S. coasts and
    U.S. anadromous species and Continental Shelf fishery resources

-   Support the implementation and enforcement of international fishery
    agreements for the conservation and management of highly migratory
    species

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-   The Secretary shall, in cooperation with ...., develop
    recommendations for implementation of a standardized fishing vessel
    registration and information management system on a regional basis.

-   The Secretary shall report annually to the Congress and the Councils
    on the status of fisheries within each Council's geographical area
    of authority

-   Authorizes the placement of observers to collect information needed
    for fishery management and conservation as well as establishing a
    standardized reporting methodology to assess the amount and type of
    bycatch occurring in the fishery.

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-   Research to support fishery conservation and management, including
    but not limited to, biological research concerning the abundance and
    life history parameters of stocks of fish, the interdependence of
    fisheries or stocks of fish, the identification of essential fish
    habitat, the impact of pollution on fish populations, the impact of
    wetland and estuarine degradation, and other factors affecting the
    abundance and availability of fish.

-   Provides authority to the Secretary to use private sector vessels to
    survey the fishery resources and to structure competitive
    solicitations to provide compensation for these surveys. The Act
    also directs the Secretary to provide a role for commercial
    fishermen in such research, including involvement in field testing
    and conservation engineering research. These activities are
    considered cooperative research with the fishing industry.

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-   The Secretary shall initiate and maintain, in cooperation with the
    Councils, a comprehensive program of fishery research to carry out
    and further the purposes, policy, and provisions of this Act. Such
    program shall be designed to acquire knowledge and information,
    including statistics, on fishery conservation and management and on
    the economics and social characteristics of the fisheries. Section
    404(c)(1), identifies areas of research, and the implicit need for
    more and better data: · Research to support fishery conservation and
    management, including but not limited to, biological research
    concerning the abundance and life history parameters of stocks of
    fish, the interdependence of fisheries or stocks of fish, the
    identification of essential fish habitat, the impact of pollution on
    fish populations, and other factors affecting the abundance and
    availability of fish.

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-   Promote the protection of essential fish habitat and provide a
    description of essential fish habitat for each fishery.

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-   Promote domestic commercial and recreational fishing under sound
    conservation and management principles

-   Provide for preparation and implementation of fishery management
    plans to achieve and maintain the optimum yield of each fishery on a
    continuing basis

2.  Marine Mammal Protection Act

-   Protect marine mammals and their habitats to maintain sustainable
    populations as functional components of the ecosystems of which they
    are a part.

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-   Directs the Secretary of Commerce (with responsibility delegated to
    NMFS) to undertake population surveys of whales, dolphins,
    porpoises, sea lions and seals in U.S. waters and annually report
    their status in Stock Assessment Reports.

-   Directs the agency to deploy observers on fishing vessels
    (establishes observer guidelines and duties) or requires vessels to
    monitor incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals
    during the course of commercial fishing.

-   Directs the Secretary of Commerce to undertake a scientific research
    program to monitor the health and stability of the Bering Sea marine
    ecosystem and to resolve uncertainties concerning the causes of
    population declines of marine mammals, sea birds, and other living
    resources of that marine ecosystem.

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-   Take into account fishery economics when designing Take Reduction
    Plans, which reduce the incidental mortality or serious injury of
    marine mammals incidentally taken in the course of commercial
    fishing

3.  Endangered Species Act

-   The ESA requires the Secretary of Commerce (with responsibility
    delegated to NMFS) to evaluate the status of species (or lower
    taxons) and determine whether or not the species is threatened or
    endangered; to designate critical habitat; and to evaluate Federal
    actions and ensure that these actions do not jeopardize the
    continued existence of threatened or endangered species or adversely
    modify critical habitat. The information standard for the ESA is the
    best available scientific information.\
    Conduct a biological assessment for the purpose of identifying any
    endangered species or threatened species which is likely to be
    affected by such action if deemed necessary during a consultation
    process for a NMFS action (§ 1536)

-   Requires the federal government to protect and conserve species and
    populations that are endangered, or threatened with extinction.
    Observers are used to monitor impacts and certify that takes of
    endangered species do not exceed the authorized incidental take
    limit, as well as to provide data for recovery plans.

-   Take into consideration the economic impact, and any other relevant
    impact, of specifying any area as critical habitat.

4.  National Environmental Policy Act:

-   The NEPA requires each federal agency to assess the impact of
    alternatives for their actions (including activities conducted,
    funded or permitted by the agency) on the human environment. The
    cumulative impacts of each activity in combination with other
    natural and anthropogenic phenomena are included among the analyses.

5.  National Coastal Monitoring Act (Title V of the Marine Protection,
    Research, and Sanctuaries Act

-   Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    and the NOAA Under Secretary, in conjunction with other Federal,
    state and local authorities, jointly to develop and implement a
    program for the long-term collection, assimilation, and analysis of
    scientific data designed to measure the environmental quality of the
    nation's coastal ecosystems.

6.  Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 ; Coastal Zone Act
    Reauthorization Amendments of 1990

-   Protect, develop and enhance coastal zone resources

-   Encourage and assist the states with development and implementation
    of management programs for coastal areas

7.  Regulatory Flexibility Act

-   Conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis, including analyzing the
    economic impact on small entities, for every proposed rulemaking and
    final rule

*[Policy Directives]{.underline}*

1.  U.S. Ocean Action Plan

-   Support ecosystem-based approaches to management, which requires
    indicators of ecosystem health and socio-economic benefits to be
    monitored and assessed.

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-   Support a Regional Partnership in the Gulf of Mexico: Administration
    officials will meet with the appropriate regional representatives in
    the spring of 2005 to explore partnership opportunities. (pg. 11)

-   Advance Ocean Stewardship through Implementation of Cooperative
    Conservation Executive Order (pg.11)

-   Develop an Ocean Research Priorities Plan and Implementation
    Strategy - The Implementation Strategy will identify how the various
    ocean science sectors (government, academic, industry, and other
    non-government entities) can and should be engaged, individually or
    through partnerships. These types of strategies would include
    cooperative research) (pg12)

-   Build a Global Earth Observation Network, Including Integrated
    Oceans Observation: Develop a strategy for integration and possible
    convergence of existing and future requisite coastal observing
    systems of the IOOS. (pg. 13, 14)

-   Create a National Water Quality Monitoring Network: The National
    Water Quality Monitoring Council will provide advice and
    recommendations regarding the design and creation of a coordinated,
    comprehensive national water quality monitoring network. (pg. 15)

-   Increase Ocean Education Coordination: Data collected through ocean
    and Earth observations are translated into usable forms for
    teachers, students, and the general public (pg.16)

-   Support the Ocean Science Initiative at the Smithsonian Institution
    (pg.17)

-   Harmonize Recreational Fishing Data Acquisition for Fishery
    Management Purposes (pg.19)

-   Establish Guidelines and Procedures for the Use of Science in
    Fisheries Management (pg.19)

-   Implement New National Bycatch Strategy (p. 22) - Specific mention
    of the national cooperative research program and coordinator (pg 22)

-   Propose New Limits on Atlantic Gill Net Fishing to Protect Dolphins
    and Sea Turtles - The proposal calls on NOAA to conduct research
    with the fishing industry into ways to promote safer fishing gear -
    this would be cooperative research. (pg.22)

-   Partnership Creation: White Water to Blue Water Initiative: Assist
    in the formation of dynamic partnerships that promote sustainable
    environmental management in the Caribbean region. (pg. 35)

-   Support an Integrated Approach to Oceans Management and Reduction of
    Land-based Pollution (pg.36)

-   Advance the Use of Large Marine Ecosystems (pg. 36)

-   Link the Global Marine Assessment and Global Earth Observation
    System of Systems: Seek to create international links between the
    Global Marine Assessment and Global Earth Observing System of
    Systems. (pg. 37)

2.  Executive Order 12866 for EPA (1993)

-   Assess the quantitative and qualitative costs and benefits of all
    regulations, to maximize the net benefits (economic, environmental,
    public health and safety, and other advantages; distributive
    impacts; and equity)

3.  National Spatial Data Infrastructure

-   Develop operational ecosystem data portals that support Ecosystem
    Goal Programs and IOOS

-   Provide access to the long-term coastal data record to support
    monitoring, prediction, and analyses

-   Create a unified long-term database of coastal and marine datasets.

4.  The Federal Geographic Data Committee

-   Develop operational ecosystem data portals that support Ecosystem
    Goal Programs and IOOS

-   Provide access to the long-term coastal data record to support
    monitoring, prediction, and analyses

-   Create a unified long-term database of coastal and marine datasets.

5.  OMB Circular A-16 (Coordination of Geographic Information and
    Related Spatial Data Activities

-   (#10, 11, 12) To improve management decisions in the coastal
    environment. Provide access to the long-term coastal data record to
    support monitoring, prediction, and analyses; to help in the
    formulation of public policy; to facilitate ecosystem approach to
    management. Create a unified long-term database of coastal and
    marine datasets. Create a catalog of coastal and marine data and
    create a virtual network of distributed nodes re data repositories.
    Develop operational ecosystem data portals that support Ecosystem
    Goal Programs and IOOS (Outcomes). Develop, in cooperation with
    state and local governments (including tribal), and the private
    sector, a coordinated National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to
    support public and private applications of geospatially-enabled
    data. Establish a coordinated approach to develop (electronically)
    the NSDI

> **B. Mission Requirements**

[Summary of Major Requirements (Appendix A has complete
list)]{.underline}

1.  Provide the Best Available Science to support the conservation and
    sustainable management of living marine resources (Magnuson Stevens
    Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Marine Mammal Protection
    Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act)

2.  Provide Sociocultural data and analysis to allow resource managers
    to make informed decisions based on societal costs and benefits
    (Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Executive
    Order 12866 for EPA, Regulatory Flexibility Act, National
    Environmental Policy Act)

3.  Provide a comprehensive data and information system that allows the
    EOP and NOAA to manage, archive, and disseminate ecosystem
    information for NOAA's clients within the agency, as well as the
    public, private, and NGO sectors (National Spatial Data
    Infrastructure, The Federal Geographic Data Committee, OMB Circular
    A-16, Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial
    Data Activities)

4.  Develop and implement a program for the long-term collection,
    assimilation, and analysis of scientific data designed to measure
    the environmental quality of the nation's coastal ecosystems and to
    protect and enhance the coastal zone (National Coastal Monitoring
    Act (Title V of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
    Act, Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 ; Coastal Zone Act
    Reauthorization Amendments of 1990)

5.  Build a Global Earth Observation Network, Including Integrated
    Oceans Observation: Develop a strategy for integration and possible
    convergence of existing and future requisite coastal observing
    systems of the IOOS (U.S. Ocean Action Plan)

6.  Support ecosystem-based approaches to management by providing the
    best available science on the ecosystem components and processes
    that affect and interact with living marine resources (Magnuson
    Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Marine Mammal
    Protection Act, U.S. Ocean Action Plan)

**3. LINKS TO THE NOAA STRATEGIC PLAN**

The EOP was created to represent NOAA's ecosystem observing activities
residing within the four NOAA Line Offices that are related to and that
support the Ecosystem Mission Goal to "Protect, restore, and manage the
use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to
management"

**A. Ecosystem Goal Outcomes:** The EOP contributes to both Ecosystem
Goal Outcomes in the following ways:

-   *Healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems that benefit
    society*

The EOP conducts routine monitoring, assessment and applied forecasts of
living marine and coastal resources and their habitats. This includes
surveys, monitoring and assessment of the economic and sociocultural
aspects of these ecosystems.

-   *A well-informed public that acts as a steward of coastal and marine
    ecosystems*.

The EOP produces scientific and technical publications through the
Scientific Publications Office, and provides outreach and education
materials to NOAA's constituents. The program also participates in
public and other educational information exchange opportunities (e.g.,
commercial and recreational fishing events, conferences, and meetings,
etc. geared towards specific target audiences).

**B. Ecosystem Goal Performance Objectives:** The EOP contributes to all
three of the Ecosystem Goal Performance Objectives in the following
ways:

-   *Improve the ecological health within regional coastal and marine
    ecosystems and assess socio-economic benefits*

As described above, the EOP conducts routine monitoring, assessment and
applied forecasts of living marine and coastal resources and their
habitats, including economic and sociocultural monitoring and
assessment. The National Status and Trends Program (within the EOP) is
specifically focused on coastal ecosystem health, while coastal and
marine related activities are spread throughout the other EOP
Capabilities.

-   *Assess, model and forecast ecosystem resources for management
    decisions.*

The activities described under Ecosystem Goal Objective #1, above, all
directly support management decisions concerning living marine and
coastal resources both internal and external to NOAA.

-   *Increase portion of population that is knowledgeable about coastal
    and marine ecosystem issues.*

As described under Ecosystem Goal Outcome #1, the EOP produces
scientific and technical publications through the Scientific
Publications Office, and provides outreach and education materials to
NOAA's constituents. The program also participates in public and other
educational information exchange opportunities (e.g., commercial and
recreational fishing events, conferences, and meetings, etc. geared
towards specific target audiences).

**C. Goal Strategies:** The EOP contributes to all of the Ecosystem Goal
Strategies in the following ways:

-   *Engage and collaborate with our partners to achieve regional
    objectives by delineating regional ecosystems, forming regional
    ecosystem councils, and implementing cooperative strategies to
    improve regional ecosystem health.*

The EOP contributes ecosystem information that can be used to delineate
regional ecosystems. An example of EOP's cooperative strategies is the
Cooperative Research Program. Through this program, the EOP works with
the States, academia and industry to monitor living marine resources and
related ecosystem phenomena. The EOP also provides funding through
grants to groups outside of NOAA to encourage cooperation in improving
ecosystem observations and health.

-   *Manage uses of ecosystems by applying scientifically sound
    observations, assessments, and research findings to ensure the
    sustainable use of resources and to balance competing uses of
    coastal and marine ecosystems.*

The EOP provides routine observations, assessments and applied forecasts
that directly support management decisions related to the sustainable
use of living marine and coastal resources and to balance competing uses
of coastal and marine ecosystems.

-   *Improve resource management by advancing our understanding of
    ecosystems through better simulation and predictive models. Build
    and advance the capabilities of an ecological component of the NOAA
    global environmental observing system to monitor, assess, and
    predict national and regional ecosystem health, as well as to gather
    information consistent with established social and economic
    indicators.*

The EOP represents a major component of NOAA's ecosystem observing
capability (including economic and sociocultural), which provides
information that serves as the basis for predictive ecosystem modeling
and evaluation of the effects of management actions. The program also
provides data that allows the monitoring of ecosystem indicators (e.g.,
regional specific species and species groups) being developed within the
Ecosystem Goal.

-   *Develop coordinated regional and national outreach and education
    efforts to improve public understanding and involvement in
    stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems.*

As described under Ecosystem Goal Outcome #1, the EOP produces
scientific and technical publications through the Scientific
Publications Office, and provides outreach and education materials to
NOAA's constituents. The program also participates in public and other
educational information exchange opportunities (e.g., commercial and
recreational fishing events, conferences, and meetings, etc. geared
towards specific target audiences).

-   *Engage in technological and scientific exchange with our domestic
    and international partners to protect, restore, and manage marine
    resources within and beyond the Nation's borders.*

Through its capability 5 activities, the EOP participates in technical
and scientific information exchange opportunities, both nationally and
internationally.

**4. PROGRAM OUTCOMES**

**Long-Term**

1\. A sustained, coordinated, national and international network of
observations and analysis that systematically acquires and disseminates
data and information on present and future states of the coasts and
oceans, meeting the monitoring, assessment and forecast needs required
by NOAA and society for ecosystem-based management.

2\. A comprehensive system for NOAA's ecosystem data and information
management that includes acquisition, quality control, validation,
reprocessing, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and archiving, using
innovative technologies.

3\. A well- informed public that acts as a steward of coastal and marine
ecosystems.

**Mid-Term**

1\) Increased understanding and monitoring of fish stocks to support
timely and accurate stock assessments and forecasts

2)  Increased understanding and monitoring of species listed under ESA
    and MMPA to support timely and accurate assessments and recovery
    strategies

Increased integration of ecosystem (e.g., physical, lower trophic)
observations into fish and protected species assessments and forecasts

4\) Increased number of ecosystem parameters that describe the status
and trends of coastal ecosystems and are amenable for use in ecological
forecasting

5)  Provide integrated routine indicators to show "status of the
    ecosystem"

Increased ability to assess the economic and social impacts of existing
policies and proposed management measures on fishermen, shoreside firms,
coastal communities, and the affected public

6)  Increased development of IOOS through contribution to the "national
    backbone" and support of Regional Associations (RAs)

7)  Implementation of new procedures, data systems, and techniques to
    manage, archive, and disseminate ecosystem information for NOAA's
    clients within the agency, as well as the public, private, and NGO
    sectors

8)  Increased public awareness of ecosystem diversity and function and
    improved sense of stewardship for ecosystem and living marine
    resources conservation

**5. PROGRAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**.

This program is established and managed with the procedures established
in the NOAA Business Operations Manual (BOM). Responsibilities of the
Program Manager are described in the BOM. Responsibilities of other
major participants are summarized below:

**A. Participating Line Offices, Staff Offices, and Council
Responsibilities:**

1\. [NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS)]{.underline} is responsible for the
coordination and administration of the agency\'s contribution to the
NOAA \'end-to-end\' coastal and oceanic ecological observing system.
NMFS components of this system include: fisheries and protected
resources surveys, ecosystem surveys, economic and sociocultural
surveys, recreational and commercial statistics, fisheries observer
coverage, and cooperative research. NMFS is also responsible for science
quality assurance of agency observing system products and maintaining
collaborative linkages to other Federal and state agencies,
stakeholders, and the public.

2\. [National Ocean Service (NOS)]{.underline} is responsible for
monitoring and assessment of chemical pollution and effects in coastal
and estuarine areas and the Great Lakes, and for working with other
federal agencies and entities in the development of a national water
quality monitoring network, including action items for which NOAA is the
lead agency.

3\. [NOAA Research (OAR)]{.underline} is responsible for providing
observation, analysis, and modeling of the physical environment to
support operational forecasts.

4\. [NOAA Satellites and Information (NESDIS)]{.underline} is
responsible for data management, archiving, and information services
provided by the NOAA National Data Center infrastructure to support
ecosystem goal objectives. Additionally NESDIS provides technical
support and leadership in integration of information services located
within ecosystem observation programs to achieve NOAA-wide objectives
for IOOS, GEOSS and related end-to-end data system integration efforts.

5\. [NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations (NMAO)]{.underline} is
responsible for providing ship and aircraft support to the EOP.

6\. [NOAA Observing System Council]{.underline} is responsible for
coordinating observational and data management activities across NOAA;
proposing priorities and investment strategies for observation related
initiatives; and identifying programs that might benefit most from
integration. The Council is also as the principal advisory body to the
Administrator for the agency\'s observing system activities and
interests.

7\. [NOAA Oceans Council]{.underline} is responsible for coordinating
ocean activities across NOAA; proposing priorities and investment
strategies for ocean-related initiatives; identifying ocean and coastal
programs that might benefit most from integration; and coordinating
NOAA's participation in the interagency National Oceanographic
Partnership Program (NOPP). The NOC is also authorized to develop a
strategy and serve as the agency focal point for responding to and
implementing the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.

8\. [Climate Goal:]{.underline} Coordinate with the Climate and
Ecosystems Program of the Climate Goal on the investigation of physical
oceanographic processes that effect long and short term biological
productivity in the oceans, particularly for living marine resources.

**B. External Agency/Organization Responsibilities**

1**.** [Ocean.US]{.underline} coordinates the U.S. Integrated Ocean
Observing System (IOOS), to which the EOP provides ecosystem
observational support (i.e. National Backbone) as well as discovery,
access, and delivery of marine and coastal observational data streams
(i.e. Data Management and Communication).

2\. [EPA]{.underline} is one of the other federal agencies/entities that
is required to be a leader in the development and operation of a
national water quality monitoring network

3\. [USGS]{.underline} is one of the other federal agencies/entities
that is required to be a leader in the development and operation of a
national water quality monitoring network

4\. [Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Network]{.underline} is a
partnership program of 18 federal agencies, including NMFS, and 181
universities. There are 17 separate regional CESUs that make up the
national network, each with the objective of developing partnerships
among federal agencies and universities to develop a program that
involves the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences needed
to address resource issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at
multiple scales and in an ecosystem context. Special emphasis is placed
on working collaboratively and in partnership on joint research
projects.

**6. End USers or beneficiaries of program:**

1\. [NOAA]{.underline}**:** A successful Ecosystem Observations Program
will provide the routine monitoring, assessment, and forecasting
information and analysis products required for NOAA to meet its science
and management mandates. Within the Ecosystem Goal, the EOP directly
supports the Fisheries Management Program, Protected Species Management
Program, Habitat Program, Corals Program, Aquaculture Program, Coastal
&Marine Resources Program, Ecosystem Research Program and Enforcement.
The EOP supports programs in other Goals including the Climate and
Ecosystems Program.

2\. [Management Community (beyond NOAA)]{.underline}

-   Fishery Management Councils

-   Other Federal Agencies

-   State and Local Governments

-   International Organizations

Accurate and timely information on the status of NOAA's trust living
marine resources and their habitats will allow resource managers to
develop and plan activities and management actions that are in
compliance and consistent with federal laws and regulations.
Specifically, this information will benefit decision-making for the
conservation and management of living marine resources and the habitats
on which they depend.

3\. [General Public]{.underline}**:** The implementation of successful,
science based conservation and management programs will ensure the
availability of living marine resources and habitats for the benefit
(both tangible and non tangible) of society. These programs will also
avoid costly use restrictions and prohibitions necessary for the
recovery of depleted living marine resources and restoration of ocean
and coastal habitats.

4\. [Environmental Non-government Organizations (NGOs)]{.underline}**:**
Environmental NGOs use the monitoring, assessment and forecast
information (data and synthesized products) produced by the EOP to
monitor the status of living marine resources and their environment. The
NGOs also use the economic and socio-cultural information collected and
produced by the EOP. In some cases, NGOs use the information provided by
the EOP to make management decisions (e.g., for planning and
implementing resource and habitat management and restoration projects).

5\. [Research Community:]{.underline} Providing public access to EOP
data and products provides the research community with up-to-date,
quality information on living marine resources and their environment.
The Fisheries Information System, Marine Recreational Fisheries Systems,
and services provided by the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC),
and the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC) are examples of
EOP venues for such data.

6\. [Industry:]{.underline} The EOP conducts monitoring, assessment and
forecasting that are crucial for sustainable management and conservation
of living coastal and marine resources and their environment. Industries
related to the marine environment (e.g., fisheries and tourism) are
reliant on the EOP for these reasons. Industry may also participate in
EOP activities through cooperative research programs.

  ------------------ --------------- ------- ---------------------------------------------------
                     **ECOSYSTEM             
                     OBSERVATIONS            
                     PROGRAM (EOP)           
                     REQUIREMENTS            
                     AND DRIVERS**           

  **CAPABILITIES**   **REQUIREMENT   ** **   **REQUIREMENTS**
                     DRIVERS**               

                     ** **                    

                     **1.Magnuson            1a. Conserve and manage the fishery resource off
                     Stevens Fishery         the U.S. coasts and U.S. anadromous species and
                     Conservation            Continental Shelf fishery resources
                     and Management          
                     Act (1976,              
                     1996)**                 

                                             1b. Support the implementation and enforcement of
                                             international fishery agreements for the
                                             conservation and management of highly migratory
                                             species

                                             1c. Promote domestic commercial and recreational
                                             fishing under sound conservation and management
                                             principles

  **1. Fisheries                             1d. Provide for preparation and implementation of
  Monitoring,                                fishery management plans to achieve and maintain
  Assessment, and                            the optimum yield of each fishery on a continuing
  Forecasts**                                basis

                                             1e. National Standard 2 - Conservation and
                                             management measures shall be based upon the best
                                             scientific information available.\
                                             The Secretary is responsible for producing a
                                             document that provides Councils with a summary of
                                             information concerning the most recent biological
                                             condition of stocks and marine ecosystems.\
                                             Fishery Management Plans must specify objective and
                                             measurable criteria for identifying when the
                                             fishery to which the plan applies is overfished
                                             (with an analysis of how the criteria were
                                             determined and the relationship of the criteria to
                                             the reproductive potential of stocks of fish in
                                             that fishery)

                                             1f. The Secretary shall initiate and maintain, in
                                             cooperation with the Councils, a comprehensive
                                             program of fishery research to carry out and
                                             further the purposes, policy, and provisions of
                                             this Act. Such program shall be designed to acquire
                                             knowledge and information, including statistics, on
                                             fishery conservation and management and on the
                                             economics and social characteristics of the
                                             fisheries. Section 404(c)(1), identifies areas of
                                             research, and the implicit need for more and better
                                             data: · Research to support fishery conservation
                                             and management, including but not limited to,
                                             biological research concerning the abundance and
                                             life history parameters of stocks of fish, the
                                             interdependence of fisheries or stocks of fish, the
                                             identification of essential fish habitat, the
                                             impact of pollution on fish populations, and other
                                             factors affecting the abundance and availability of
                                             fish.

                                             1g. The Secretary shall, in cooperation with,
                                             develop recommendations for implementation of a
                                             standardized fishing vessel registration and
                                             information management system on a regional basis.

                                             1h. The Secretary shall report annually to the
                                             Congress and the Councils on the status of
                                             fisheries within each Council's geographical area
                                             of authority.

                                              

                     **2. National           2a. The NEPA requires each federal agency to assess
                     Environmental           the impact of alternatives for their actions
                     Policy Act**            (including activities conducted, funded or
                                             permitted by the agency) on the human environment.
                                             The cumulative impacts of each activity in
                                             combination with other natural and anthropogenic
                                             phenomena are included among the analyses.

                     ** **                    

                     **3. American           3a.Implement the fishing allocations specified for
                     Fisheries Act**         the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands pollock fishery

                                             

                     **4. Anadromous         4a. Conduct investigations, engineering and
                     Fish                    biological surveys, and research to carry out the
                     Conservation            program and stream clearance activities; construct,
                     Act**                   install, maintain, and operate devices and
                                             structures to improve feeding and spawing
                                             conditions, protection, control of sea lamprey, and
                                             fish hatcheries; conduct studies and make
                                             recommendations regarding the development and
                                             management of any body of water for the
                                             conservation and enhancement of anadromous fishery
                                             resources and the fish in the Great Lakes and Lake
                                             Champlain that ascend streams to spawn (§ 757b)

                     ** **                    

                     **5. Atlantic           5a. The 1996 amendments make special provision for
                     Coastal                 American lobster. The Secretary of Commerce, in
                     Fisheries               cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior,
                     Cooperative             must develop and implement a program to support the
                     Management Act          Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in
                     of 1993**               interstate fishery management. The program must
                                             include activities to support state cooperation in
                                             the collection, management and analysis of fishery
                                             data; law enforcement; habitat conservation;
                                             fishery research; and fishery management planning.
                                             The Commission must prepare and adopt coastal
                                             fishery management plans for the conservation of
                                             coastal fishery resources.

                     ** **                    

                     **6. Coastal            6a. Authorizes a Coastal Ocean Program. "Such
                     Ocean Program,          program shall augment and integrate existing
                     § 201(c) of             programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                     Public Law              Administration and shall include efforts to improve
                     102-567**               predictions of fish stocks, to better conserve and
                                             manage living marine resources . . .".

                     ** **                    

                     **7. Columbia           7a. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to conduct
                     Basin Fishery           investigations, surveys and experiments for the
                     Development Act         conservation of fishery resources; construction and
                     (Mitchell               installation of devices to improve feeding,
                     Act)**                  spawning and migration; other activities needed for
                                             fish conservation. (16 U.S.C. §§ 755-757)

                     ** **                    

                     **8. Dolphin            8a. Establishes dolphin-safe standards for
                     Protection              fisheries
                     Consumer                
                     Information Act         
                     (1990-1997)**           
  ------------------ --------------- ------- ---------------------------------------------------

+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **9.     |   | 9a. Inquiries into whether a diminution in the    |
|      | Fish and |   | number of the food fishes of the U.S. coast and   |
|      | Wildlife |   | lakes has taken place, the extent of the          |
|      | Act of   |   | diminution, what causes the diminution and        |
|      | 1956**   |   | whether protective or precautionary measures      |
|      |          |   | should be adopted. Conduct training programs and  |
|      |          |   | undertake research and development activities to  |
|      |          |   | improve fish and wildlife law enforcement         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **10.    |   | 10a. Requires that wildlife, including fish,      |
|      | Fish and |   | receive equal consideration and be coordinated    |
|      | Wildlife |   | with other aspects of water resource development. |
|      | Coor     |   | Requires consultation with the FWS and NMFS       |
|      | dination |   | whenever any body of water is proposed to be      |
|      | Act**    |   | modified in any way and a Federal permit or       |
|      |          |   | license is required. This consultation determines |
|      |          |   | the possible harm to fish and wildlife resources, |
|      |          |   | and the measures that are needed to both prevent  |
|      |          |   | the damage to and loss of these resources, and to |
|      |          |   | develop and improve the resources, in connection  |
|      |          |   | with water resource development.                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **11.    |   | 11a. The Government Performance and Results Act   |
|      | Go       |   | (GPRA) requires federal agencies to develop and   |
|      | vernment |   | implement an accountability system based on       |
|      | Per      |   | performance measurement, including setting goals  |
|      | formance |   | and objectives and measuring progress toward      |
|      | and      |   | achieving them.                                   |
|      | Results  |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **12.    |   | 12a. The Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act        |
|      | Int      |   | promotes and encourages State activities in       |
|      | erjurisd |   | support of the management of interjurisdictional  |
|      | ictional |   | fishery resources throughout their range. The Act |
|      | F        |   | provides the Secretary of Commerce to assist      |
|      | isheries |   | states manage their interjurisdictional fishery   |
|      | Act**    |   | resources. The Act authorizes appropriations for  |
|      |          |   | \...the three interstate fishery commissions      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **13.    |   | 13a. Conduct marine forensic research to support  |
|      | Lacey    |   | NOAA enforcement mission including best           |
|      | Act      |   | techniques to allow identification of stock,      |
|      | Am       |   | species or taxon from a variety of fresh,         |
|      | endments |   | decomposed, cooked, or preserved tissues or       |
|      | of       |   | specimens (marine forensics) for trade or impact  |
|      | 1981**   |   | of human activities management. No specified      |
|      |          |   | end-time. Internal planning sessions are used     |
|      |          |   | which included analysis of solicited external     |
|      |          |   | opinions, reviews and recommendations for         |
|      |          |   | scientific research focus. Coastal Monitoring and |
|      |          |   | Assessment /Enforcement (NOS).                    |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **14.    |   | 14a. The objective of the Sea Grant Act is \"to   |
|      | National |   | increase the understanding, assessment,           |
|      | Sea      |   | development, utilization, and conservation of the |
|      | Grant    |   | Nation\'s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes         |
|      | College  |   | resources by providing assistance to promote a    |
|      | Program  |   | strong educational base, responsive research and  |
|      | Act**    |   | training activities, broad and prompt             |
|      |          |   | dissemination of knowledge and techniques, and    |
|      |          |   | multidisciplinary approaches to environmental     |
|      |          |   | problems.\" The Act directs the Secretary of      |
|      |          |   | Commerce to " . . .provide support for . . .      |
|      |          |   | national strategic investments in fields relating |
|      |          |   | to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources\..." |
|      |          |   | The Act funds a national sea grant network with   |
|      |          |   | 30 Sea Grant state programs, which include        |
|      |          |   | fisheries extensions.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **15.    |   | 15a.The Antarctic Marine Living Resources         |
|      | A        |   | Convention Act implements the *Convention on the  |
|      | ntarctic |   | Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living           |
|      | Marine   |   | Resources*. The Act makes it unlawful to harvest  |
|      | Living   |   | marine species in a way that would damage         |
|      | R        |   | ecological relationships among harvested,         |
|      | esources |   | dependent, and related populations.               |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **16.    |   | 16a. Conservation and management of yellowfin,    |
|      | Co       |   | skipjack, and other tunas in the Eastern Pacific  |
|      | nvention |   | Ocean                                             |
|      | for      |   |                                                   |
|      | Inter-   |   |                                                   |
|      | American |   |                                                   |
|      | Tropical |   |                                                   |
|      | Tuna     |   |                                                   |
|      | Comm     |   |                                                   |
|      | ission** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **17.    |   | 17a. An international organization whose object   |
|      | Co       |   | shall be to contribute through consultation and   |
|      | nvention |   | cooperation to the optimum utilization, rational  |
|      | on       |   | management and conservation of the fishery        |
|      | Future   |   | resources of the Convention Area. This            |
|      | Mult     |   | organization shall be known as the Northwest      |
|      | ilateral |   | Atlantic Fisheries Organization                   |
|      | Coo      |   |                                                   |
|      | peration |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | N        |   |                                                   |
|      | orthwest |   |                                                   |
|      | Atlantic |   |                                                   |
|      | Fis      |   |                                                   |
|      | heries** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **18.    |   | 18a. To establish an international regime for     |
|      | Co       |   | conservation. management, and optimum utilization |
|      | nvention |   | of pollock resources in the Convention Area; to   |
|      | on the   |   | restore and maintain the pollock resources in the |
|      | Cons     |   | Bering Sea at levels which will permit their      |
|      | ervation |   | maximum sustainable yield; to cooperate in the    |
|      | and      |   | gathering and examining of factual information    |
|      | Ma       |   | concerning pollock and other living marine        |
|      | nagement |   | resources in the Bering Sea; and to provide, if   |
|      | of       |   | the Parties agree, a forum in which to consider   |
|      | Pollock  |   | the establishment of necessary conservation and   |
|      | R        |   | management measures for living marine resources   |
|      | esources |   | other than pollock in the Convention Area as may  |
|      | in the   |   | be required in the future.                        |
|      | Central  |   |                                                   |
|      | Bering   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea      |   |                                                   |
|      | (1994)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **19.    |   | 19a. FAO\'s Major Programme on Fisheries aims to  |
|      | Food and |   | promote sustainable development of responsible    |
|      | Agri     |   | fisheries and contribute to food security. To     |
|      | cultural |   | implement this Major Programme, the Fisheries     |
|      | Orga     |   | Department focuses its activities, through        |
|      | nization |   | programmes in Fishery Resources, Fishery Policy,  |
|      | of the   |   | Fishery Industries and Fishery Information on     |
|      | United   |   | three medium-term strategic objectives, including |
|      | N        |   | Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of       |
|      | ations** |   | Fisheries, with priority given to development of  |
|      |          |   | databases and analysis of information using       |
|      |          |   | modern information systems                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **20.    |   | 20a. Conservation and management of Atlantic      |
|      | Inter    |   | bluefin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean and the        |
|      | national |   | Mediterranean Sea. Submit a biennial report on    |
|      | Co       |   | bluefin tuna that includes information on U.S.    |
|      | mmission |   | catches and the status of stocks                  |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Atlantic |   |                                                   |
|      | Tunas    |   |                                                   |
|      | (        |   |                                                   |
|      | Atlantic |   |                                                   |
|      | Tunas    |   |                                                   |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1975 )** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **21.    |   | 21a. ICES is the organisation that coordinates    |
|      | Inter    |   | and promotes marine research in the North         |
|      | national |   | Atlantic.                                         |
|      | Counsel  |   |                                                   |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Exp      |   |                                                   |
|      | loration |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **22.    |   | 22a. Emphasizing the importance of scientific     |
|      | North    |   | research for the conservation of anadromous       |
|      | Pacific  |   | stocks in the North Pacific Ocean;\               |
|      | An       |   | Desiring to promote the acquisition, analysis and |
|      | adromous |   | dissemination of scientific information           |
|      | Fish     |   | pertaining to anadromous stocks and ecologically  |
|      | Comm     |   | related species in the North Pacific Ocean;       |
|      | ission** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **23.    |   | 23a. The Northern Pacific Halibut Act authorizes  |
|      | Northern |   | the Secretary of Commerce to enforce the terms of |
|      | Pacific  |   | the Convention between the U.S. and Canada for    |
|      | Halibut  |   | the *Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the   |
|      | Act**    |   | Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea*. Upon      |
|      |          |   | request of the Commission, conduct scientific and |
|      |          |   | other programs to assist the Commission in        |
|      |          |   | carrying out its duties under the Convention.     |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **24.    |   | 24a. The Pacific Salmon Treaty Act implements the |
|      | Pacific  |   | *Pacific Salmon Treaty* signed between the U.S.   |
|      | Salmon   |   | and Canada in 1985. Prepare all statements,       |
|      | Treaty   |   | reports and information required by the treaty,   |
|      | Act of   |   | and submit them to the Secretary of State.        |
|      | 1985**   |   | Agencies of the U.S. may cooperate with           |
|      |          |   | scientific and other programs to assist the       |
|      |          |   | Commission and Panels in carrying out their       |
|      |          |   | treaty responsibilities.                          |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **25.    |   | 25a. "The purpose...(a) to promote and coordinate |
|      | PICES    |   | marine scientific research in order to advance    |
|      | (North   |   | scientific knowledge of the area concerned and of |
|      | Pacific  |   | its living resources, including but not           |
|      | Marine   |   | necessarily limited to research with respect to   |
|      | Science  |   | the ocean environment and its interactions with   |
|      | Organ    |   | land and atmosphere, its role in and response to  |
|      | ization) |   | global weather and climate change, its flora,     |
|      | (1991)** |   | fauna and ecosystems, its uses and resources, and |
|      |          |   | impacts upon it from human activities; and (b) to |
|      |          |   | promote the collection and exchange of            |
|      |          |   | information and data related to marine scientific |
|      |          |   | research in the area concerned."                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **26.    |   | 26a. The South Pacific Tuna Act implements the    |
|      | South    |   | *Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of   |
|      | Pacific  |   | Certain Pacific Island States and the U.S.*       |
|      | Tuna Act |   | signed in 1987. The Act authorizes the Secretary  |
|      | of       |   | of Commerce to issue and enforce regulations      |
|      | 1988**   |   | necessary to implement the Treaty. The Secretary  |
|      |          |   | operates a permitting system for fishing within   |
|      |          |   | the Treaty waters.                                |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **27.    |   | 27a. The Tuna Conventions Act implements the      |
|      | Tuna     |   | *Convention for the Establishment of an           |
|      | Con      |   | International Commission for the Scientific       |
|      | ventions |   | Investigation of Tuna* and the Convention for the |
|      | Act of   |   | Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna  |
|      | 1950**   |   | Commission (IATTC). Divide Convention waters into |
|      |          |   | areas, establish open or closed seasons, limit    |
|      |          |   | the size and quantity of the permissible catch,   |
|      |          |   | limit or prohibit incidental catch of regulated   |
|      |          |   | species, require vessel clearance certificates,   |
|      |          |   | and take other measures deemed necessary to       |
|      |          |   | implement IATTC recommendations; as necessary.    |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **28.    |   | 28a. The Whaling Convention Act authorizes the    |
|      | Whaling  |   | Secretary of Commerce to enforce the provisions   |
|      | Co       |   | of the *International Convention for the          |
|      | nvention |   | Regulation of Whaling. Undertake comprehensive    |
|      | Act**    |   | studies of all whales found in waters subject to  |
|      |          |   | the jurisdiction of the U.S. and provide the      |
|      |          |   | recommendations to the U.S. Commissioner*         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **29.    |   | 29a. Help protect the significant natural and     |
|      | E        |   | cultural resources within the marine environment  |
|      | xecutive |   | for the benefit of present and future generations |
|      | Order    |   | by strengthening and expanding the Nation's       |
|      | 13158    |   | system of marine protected areas (MPAs). To this  |
|      | r        |   | end, \.... (b) develop a scientifically based,    |
|      | egarding |   | comprehensive national system of MPAs             |
|      | Marine   |   | representing diverse U.S. marine ecosystems, and  |
|      | P        |   | the Nation's natural and cultural resources;      |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | Areas    |   |                                                   |
|      | (2000)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **30.    |   | 30a. Collect additional data necessary to produce |
|      | GAO      |   | reliable stock assessments.\                      |
|      | 04-606   |   | Establish a standard approach to assuring data    |
|      | Pacific  |   | quality of non-NMFS data used in assessments.     |
|      | Gr       |   | Enhance assessment models to present quantitative |
|      | oundfish |   | estimates of uncertainty.\                        |
|      | Asses    |   | Develop a comprehensive plan to integrate the     |
|      | sments** |   | NMFS Stock Assessment Improvement Plan with other |
|      |          |   | plans and budget requests.                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **31.    |   | 31\. See list of recommendations at end of file:  |
|      | U.S.     |   | USAOP#1 (pg11), USOAP#4 (pg13,14), USAOP#7        |
|      | Ocean    |   | (pg16), USAOP#8 (pg17), USAOP#9 (pg19), USAOP#10  |
|      | Action   |   | (pg19), USAOP#14 (pg36)                           |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **33.    |   | 33a. To create an umbrella program that           |
|      | F        |   | coordinates techniques to gather and disseminate  |
|      | isheries |   | data nationally while accounting for the unique   |
|      | Inf      |   | characteristics of regional commercial and        |
|      | ormation |   | recreational fisheries.                           |
|      | System   |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **34.    |   | 34a. Description of the overall goals, associated |
|      | Marine   |   | resource needs, and development of performance    |
|      | Fish     |   | measures for improving data collections, and      |
|      | Stock    |   | assigning new FTEs to stock assessment            |
|      | As       |   | activities. Used as basis for Capability 1 FTE    |
|      | sessment |   | needs                                             |
|      | Imp      |   |                                                   |
|      | rovement |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan     |   |                                                   |
|      | (2001)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **35.    |   | 35a. The Plan outlines a strategy for acquiring   |
|      | NOAA     |   | the critical at-sea fishery-independent data      |
|      | F        |   | through an appropriate blend of NOAA Fishery      |
|      | isheries |   | Survey Vessel and chartered vessel days-at-sea.   |
|      | Data     |   | Primary basis for the vessel days at sea needed   |
|      | Acq      |   | for Capability 1.                                 |
|      | uisition |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan     |   |                                                   |
|      | (1999)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **36.    |   | 36a. Section 1. Improving the Information Base    |
|      | NOAA     |   | for Stewardship: Data Collection \[Fishery Survey |
|      | NMFS     |   | Vessels, Chartered Vessels Days at Sea\]; Section |
|      | Requ     |   | 2. Determining Abundance/Yields -- New Ecosystem  |
|      | irements |   | Research and Analysis:Improve and Expand          |
|      | for      |   | Assessments \[Fisheries Stock Assessment          |
|      | Improved |   | Improvement\], Incorporate Ecosystem Factors into |
|      | and      |   | Assessments \[Fish Habitat Assessment and         |
|      | in       |   | Restoration\]                                     |
|      | tegrated |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Fi       |   |                                                   |
|      | sheries, |   |                                                   |
|      | P        |   |                                                   |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Habitat  |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **37.    |   | 37a. This 2003 study examined ship platform       |
|      | NOAA     |   | requirements for six NOAA mission areas,          |
|      | Ship     |   | including 'fisheries surveys and science.' The    |
|      | Platform |   | principal recommendation in this mission area     |
|      | Requ     |   | calls for the construction of two additional new  |
|      | irements |   | NOAA Fishery Survey Vessels for a fleet total of  |
|      | for the  |   | six by 2011.                                      |
|      | Ten-Year |   |                                                   |
|      | Period   |   |                                                   |
|      | from FY  |   |                                                   |
|      | 2003--FY |   |                                                   |
|      | 2012**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **38.    |   | 38a. Identifies research needs for better         |
|      | Effects  |   | understanding of these effects.                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Trawling |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Dredging |   |                                                   |
|      | on       |   |                                                   |
|      | Seafloor |   |                                                   |
|      | Habitat. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2002.**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **39.    |   | 39a. The NPRB\'s overall mission is to develop a  |
|      | Elements |   | comprehensive, high-caliber science program that  |
|      | of a     |   | provides better understanding of the North        |
|      | Science  |   | Pacific, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean ecosystems  |
|      | Plan for |   | and their fisheries.                              |
|      | the      |   |                                                   |
|      | North    |   |                                                   |
|      | Pacific  |   |                                                   |
|      | Research |   |                                                   |
|      | Board    |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **40.    |   | 40a. Recommends at least one reliable abundance   |
|      | I        |   | index should be available for each assessed fish  |
|      | mproving |   | stock. Such indices are dependent on data         |
|      | Fish     |   | collected by fishery-independent surveys          |
|      | Stock    |   | supported by charter fishing vessels and NOAA     |
|      | Ass      |   | Fishery Survey Vessels.                           |
|      | essments |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 1998)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **41.    |   | 41a. A particular need is to improve the quality  |
|      | I        |   | of data from commercial and recreational          |
|      | mproving |   | fisheries, so that stock assessment scientists    |
|      | the      |   | can be justifiably confident about using such     |
|      | Col      |   | data in their models. The committee believes that |
|      | lection, |   | all the participants in fisheries management      |
|      | Man      |   | should take actions to improve the collection,    |
|      | agement, |   | management, and use of fisheries data. Included   |
|      | and Use  |   | favorable recommendations for the Fishery         |
|      | of       |   | Information System, recreational fishery data,    |
|      | Marine   |   | cooperative research, new Fisheries Survey        |
|      | F        |   | Vessels.                                          |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Data.    |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2000**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **42.    |   | 42a. Guidance on use of best scientific           |
|      | I        |   | information when information is uncertain.        |
|      | mproving |   |                                                   |
|      | the Use  |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | \"Best   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sc       |   |                                                   |
|      | ientific |   |                                                   |
|      | Inf      |   |                                                   |
|      | ormation |   |                                                   |
|      | Ava      |   |                                                   |
|      | ilable\" |   |                                                   |
|      | Standard |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Man      |   |                                                   |
|      | agement. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **43.    |   | 43a. Provides guidance on the scientific needs    |
|      | Marine   |   | for understanding benefits of MPAs.               |
|      | P        |   |                                                   |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | Areas:   |   |                                                   |
|      | Tools    |   |                                                   |
|      | for      |   |                                                   |
|      | Su       |   |                                                   |
|      | staining |   |                                                   |
|      | Ocean    |   |                                                   |
|      | Eco      |   |                                                   |
|      | systems. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2001.**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **44.    |   | 44a. Stock assessment is the science of data      |
|      | Review   |   | collection, analysis, and modeling that provides  |
|      | of       |   | the basis for prudent, sustainable exploitation   |
|      | N        |   | of fishery resources. It includes the provision   |
|      | ortheast |   | of scientific advice about management strategies  |
|      | Fishery  |   | used to exploit fish stocks and the integration   |
|      | Stock    |   | of science and scientific advice into the         |
|      | Ass      |   | management process. In particular, the feedback   |
|      | essments |   | between stock assessment and fisheries management |
|      | (NRC,    |   | has to be included to manage fisheries            |
|      | 1998)**  |   | effectively.                                      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **45.    |   | 45a. The review finds that fisheries management   |
|      | Science  |   | depends on the availability of a variety of       |
|      | and Its  |   | biological and environmental data on a timely     |
|      | Role in  |   | basis. Fish assessments could be improved         |
|      | the      |   | primarily through increased expenditures for data |
|      | National |   | collection and analysis, where the most reliable  |
|      | Marine   |   | assessments are obtained from fishery-independent |
|      | F        |   | surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries.              |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Service  |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 2002)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **46.    |   | 46a. Guidance for the scientific studies needed   |
|      | The      |   | to better provide the best information on the     |
|      | Decline  |   | ecosystem of Stellar sea lions                    |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | Steller  |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea Lion |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | Alaskan  |   |                                                   |
|      | Waters:  |   |                                                   |
|      | Un       |   |                                                   |
|      | tangling |   |                                                   |
|      | Food     |   |                                                   |
|      | Webs and |   |                                                   |
|      | Fishing  |   |                                                   |
|      | Nets     |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **47.    |   | 47a. Establishes dolphin-safe standards for       |
|      | Inter    |   | fisheries                                         |
|      | national |   |                                                   |
|      | Dolphin  |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | Program  |   |                                                   |
|      | (1997)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **1.     |   | 1a. The Antarctic Marine Living Resources         |
|      | A        |   | Convention Act implements the *Convention on the  |
|      | ntarctic |   | Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living           |
|      | Marine   |   | Resources*. The Act makes it unlawful to harvest  |
|      | Living   |   | marine species in a way that would damage         |
|      | R        |   | ecological relationships among harvested,         |
|      | esources |   | dependent, and related populations.               |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| *    | **2.     |   | 2a. Conservation and management of yellowfin,     |
| *2.P | Co       |   | skipjack, and other tunas in the Eastern Pacific  |
| rote | nvention |   | Ocean                                             |
| cted | for      |   |                                                   |
| Spe  | Inter-   |   |                                                   |
| cies | American |   |                                                   |
| Mon  | Tropical |   |                                                   |
| itor | Tuna     |   |                                                   |
| ing, | Comm     |   |                                                   |
| As   | ission** |   |                                                   |
| sess |          |   |                                                   |
| ment |          |   |                                                   |
| and  |          |   |                                                   |
| For  |          |   |                                                   |
| ecas |          |   |                                                   |
| ts** |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **3.     |   | 3a. FAO\'s Major Programme on Fisheries aims to   |
|      | Food and |   | promote sustainable development of responsible    |
|      | Agri     |   | fisheries and contribute to food security. To     |
|      | cultural |   | implement this Major Programme, the Fisheries     |
|      | Orga     |   | Department focuses its activities, through        |
|      | nization |   | programmes in Fishery Resources, Fishery Policy,  |
|      | of the   |   | Fishery Industries and Fishery Information on     |
|      | United   |   | three medium-term strategic objectives, including |
|      | N        |   | Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of       |
|      | ations** |   | Fisheries, with priority given to development of  |
|      |          |   | databases and analysis of information using       |
|      |          |   | modern information systems                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **4.     |   | 4a. ICES is the organisation that coordinates and |
|      | Inter    |   | promotes marine research in the North Atlantic.   |
|      | national |   |                                                   |
|      | Counsel  |   |                                                   |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Exp      |   |                                                   |
|      | loration |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **5.     |   | 5a. Emphasizing the importance of scientific      |
|      | North    |   | research for the conservation of anadromous       |
|      | Pacific  |   | stocks in the North Pacific Ocean;\               |
|      | An       |   | Desiring to promote the acquisition, analysis and |
|      | adromous |   | dissemination of scientific information           |
|      | Fish     |   | pertaining to anadromous stocks and ecologically  |
|      | Comm     |   | related species in the North Pacific Ocean;       |
|      | ission** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **6.     |   | 6a. "The purpose...(a) to promote and coordinate  |
|      | PICES    |   | marine scientific research in order to advance    |
|      | (North   |   | scientific knowledge of the area concerned and of |
|      | Pacific  |   | its living resources, including but not           |
|      | Marine   |   | necessarily limited to research with respect to   |
|      | Science  |   | the ocean environment and its interactions with   |
|      | Organ    |   | land and atmosphere, its role in and response to  |
|      | ization) |   | global weather and climate change, its flora,     |
|      | (1991)** |   | fauna and ecosystems, its uses and resources, and |
|      |          |   | impacts upon it from human activities; and (b) to |
|      |          |   | promote the collection and exchange of            |
|      |          |   | information and data related to marine scientific |
|      |          |   | research in the area concerned."                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **7.     |   | 7a. The Whaling Convention Act authorizes the     |
|      | Whaling  |   | Secretary of Commerce to enforce the provisions   |
|      | Co       |   | of the *International Convention for the          |
|      | nvention |   | Regulation of Whaling. Undertake comprehensive    |
|      | Act**    |   | studies of all whales found in waters subject to  |
|      |          |   | the jurisdiction of the U.S. and provide the      |
|      |          |   | recommendations to the U.S. Commissioner*         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **8.     |   | 8a. Help protect the significant natural and      |
|      | E        |   | cultural resources within the marine environment  |
|      | xecutive |   | for the benefit of present and future generations |
|      | Order    |   | by strengthening and expanding the Nation's       |
|      | 13158    |   | system of marine protected areas (MPAs). To this  |
|      | r        |   | end, \.... (b) develop a scientifically based,    |
|      | egarding |   | comprehensive national system of MPAs             |
|      | Marine   |   | representing diverse U.S. marine ecosystems, and  |
|      | P        |   | the Nation's natural and cultural resources;      |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | Areas    |   |                                                   |
|      | (2000)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **9.     |   | 9a. Establishes dolphin-safe standards for        |
|      | Dolphin  |   | fisheries                                         |
|      | Pr       |   |                                                   |
|      | otection |   |                                                   |
|      | Consumer |   |                                                   |
|      | Inf      |   |                                                   |
|      | ormation |   |                                                   |
|      | Act      |   |                                                   |
|      | (1990    |   |                                                   |
|      | -1997)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **10.    |   | 10a. The Government Performance and Results Act   |
|      | Go       |   | (GPRA) requires federal agencies to develop and   |
|      | vernment |   | implement an accountability system based on       |
|      | Per      |   | performance measurement, including setting goals  |
|      | formance |   | and objectives and measuring progress toward      |
|      | and      |   | achieving them.                                   |
|      | Results  |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **11.    |   | 11a. The NEPA requires each federal agency to     |
|      | National |   | assess the impact of alternatives for their       |
|      | Envir    |   | actions (including activities conducted, funded   |
|      | onmental |   | or permitted by the agency) on the human          |
|      | Policy   |   | environment. The cumulative impacts of each       |
|      | Act**    |   | activity in combination with other natural and    |
|      |          |   | anthropogenic phenomena are included among the    |
|      |          |   | analyses.                                         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **12.    |   | 12a. This 2003 study examined ship platform       |
|      | NOAA     |   | requirements for six NOAA mission areas,          |
|      | Ship     |   | including 'fisheries surveys and science.' The    |
|      | Platform |   | principal recommendation in this mission area     |
|      | Requ     |   | calls for the construction of two additional new  |
|      | irements |   | NOAA Fishery Survey Vessels for a fleet total of  |
|      | for the  |   | six by 2011.                                      |
|      | Ten-Year |   |                                                   |
|      | Period   |   |                                                   |
|      | from FY  |   |                                                   |
|      | 2003--FY |   |                                                   |
|      | 2012**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | 13\.     |   | 13a. Guidance on use of best scientific           |
|      | I        |   | information when information is uncertain.        |
|      | mproving |   |                                                   |
|      | the Use  |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | \"Best   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sc       |   |                                                   |
|      | ientific |   |                                                   |
|      | Inf      |   |                                                   |
|      | ormation |   |                                                   |
|      | Ava      |   |                                                   |
|      | ilable\" |   |                                                   |
|      | Standard |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Man      |   |                                                   |
|      | agement. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004     |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | 14\.     |   | 14a. The review finds that fisheries management   |
|      | Science  |   | depends on the availability of a variety of       |
|      | and Its  |   | biological and environmental data on a timely     |
|      | Role in  |   | basis. Fish assessments could be improved         |
|      | the      |   | primarily through increased expenditures for data |
|      | National |   | collection and analysis, where the most reliable  |
|      | Marine   |   | assessments are obtained from fishery-independent |
|      | F        |   | surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries.              |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Service  |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 2002)    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | 15\. The |   | 15a. Guidance for the scientific studies needed   |
|      | Decline  |   | to better provide the best information on the     |
|      | of the   |   | ecosystem of Stellar sea lions                    |
|      | Steller  |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea Lion |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | Alaskan  |   |                                                   |
|      | Waters:  |   |                                                   |
|      | Un       |   |                                                   |
|      | tangling |   |                                                   |
|      | Food     |   |                                                   |
|      | Webs and |   |                                                   |
|      | Fishing  |   |                                                   |
|      | Nets     |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **16.    |   | 16a. The ESA requires the Secretary of Commerce   |
|      | En       |   | (with responsibility delegated to NMFS) to        |
|      | dangered |   | evaluate the status of species (or lower taxons)  |
|      | Species  |   | and determine whether or not the species is       |
|      | Act**    |   | threatened or endangered; to designate critical   |
|      |          |   | habitat; and to evaluate Federal actions and      |
|      |          |   | ensure that these actions do not jeopardize the   |
|      |          |   | continued existence of threatened or endangered   |
|      |          |   | species or adversely modify critical habitat. The |
|      |          |   | information standard for the ESA is the best      |
|      |          |   | available scientific information.Conduct a        |
|      |          |   | biological assessment for the purpose of          |
|      |          |   | identifying any endangered species or threatened  |
|      |          |   | species which is likely to be affected by such    |
|      |          |   | action if deemed necessary during a consultation  |
|      |          |   | process for a NMFS action (§ 1536)                |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **17.    |   | 17a. Establishes dolphin-safe standards for       |
|      | Inter    |   | fisheries                                         |
|      | national |   |                                                   |
|      | Dolphin  |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | Program  |   |                                                   |
|      | (1997)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **18.    |   | 18a. Protect marine mammals and their habitats to |
|      | Marine   |   | maintain sustainable populations                  |
|      | Mammal   |   |                                                   |
|      | Pr       |   |                                                   |
|      | otection |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **19.    |   | 19\. See list of recommendations at end of file:  |
|      | U.S.     |   | USAOP#1 (pg11), USOAP#4 (pg13,14), USAOP#7        |
|      | Ocean    |   | (pg16), USAOP#10 (pg19), USAOP#14 (pg36)          |
|      | Action   |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **1.     |   | 1f. Authorizes the placement of observers to      |
|      | Magnuson |   | collect information needed for fishery management |
|      | Stevens  |   | and conservation as well as establishing a        |
|      | Fishery  |   | standardized reporting methodology to assess the  |
|      | Cons     |   | amount and type of bycatch ocurring in the        |
|      | ervation |   | fishery.                                          |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Ma       |   |                                                   |
|      | nagement |   |                                                   |
|      | Act      |   |                                                   |
|      | (1976,   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1996)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 16 USC 1881c: FISHERIES RESEARCH                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| **3. |          |   | \(a\) In general - The Secretary shall initiate   |
| Ec   |          |   | and maintain, in cooperation with the Councils, a |
| osys |          |   | comprehensive program of fishery research ... to  |
| tems |          |   | acquire knowledge and information, including      |
| Mon  |          |   | statistics, on fishery conservation and           |
| itor |          |   | management and on the economics and social        |
| ing, |          |   | characteristics of the fisheries.                 |
| Ass  |          |   |                                                   |
| essm |          |   |                                                   |
| ent, |          |   |                                                   |
| and  |          |   |                                                   |
| For  |          |   |                                                   |
| ecas |          |   |                                                   |
| ts** |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | \(c\) Areas of research - Areas of research are   |
|      |          |   | as follows:                                       |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | \(1\) Research to support fishery conservation    |
|      |          |   | and management, including but not limited to,     |
|      |          |   | biological research concerning the abundance and  |
|      |          |   | life history parameters of stocks of fish, the    |
|      |          |   | interdependence of fisheries or stocks of fish,   |
|      |          |   | the identification of essential fish habitat, the |
|      |          |   | impact of pollution on fish populations, the      |
|      |          |   | impact of wetland and estuarine degradation, and  |
|      |          |   | other factors affecting the abundance and         |
|      |          |   | availability of fish.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1h. Provides authority to the Secretary to use    |
|      |          |   | private sector vessels to survey the fishery      |
|      |          |   | resources and to structure competitive            |
|      |          |   | solicitations to provide compensation for these   |
|      |          |   | surveys. The Act also directs the Secretary to    |
|      |          |   | provide a role for commercial fishermen in such   |
|      |          |   | research, including involvement in field testing  |
|      |          |   | and conservation engineering research. These      |
|      |          |   | activities are considered cooperative research    |
|      |          |   | with the fishing industry.                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | National Standard 2 - Conservation and management |
|      |          |   | measures shall be based upon the best scientific  |
|      |          |   | information available. The Secretary is           |
|      |          |   | responsible for producing a document that         |
|      |          |   | provides Councils with a summary of information   |
|      |          |   | concerning the most recent biological condition   |
|      |          |   | of stocks and marine ecosystems. Fishery          |
|      |          |   | Management Plans must specify objective and       |
|      |          |   | measurable criteria for identifying when the      |
|      |          |   | fishery to which the plan applies is overfished   |
|      |          |   | (with an analysis of how the criteria were        |
|      |          |   | determined and the relationship of the criteria   |
|      |          |   | to the reproductive potential of stocks of fish   |
|      |          |   | in that fishery)                                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | The Secretary shall initiate and maintain, in     |
|      |          |   | cooperation with the Councils, a comprehensive    |
|      |          |   | program of fishery research to carry out and      |
|      |          |   | further the purposes, policy, and provisions of   |
|      |          |   | this Act. Such program shall be designed to       |
|      |          |   | acquire knowledge and information, including      |
|      |          |   | statistics, on fishery conservation and           |
|      |          |   | management and on the economics and social        |
|      |          |   | characteristics of the fisheries. Section         |
|      |          |   | 404(c)(1), identifies areas of research, and the  |
|      |          |   | implicit need for more and better data: ·         |
|      |          |   | Research to support fishery conservation and      |
|      |          |   | management, including but not limited to,         |
|      |          |   | biological research concerning the abundance and  |
|      |          |   | life history parameters of stocks of fish, the    |
|      |          |   | interdependence of fisheries or stocks of fish,   |
|      |          |   | the identification of essential fish habitat, the |
|      |          |   | impact of pollution on fish populations, and      |
|      |          |   | other factors affecting the abundance and         |
|      |          |   | availability of fish.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | Promote the protection of essential fish habitat  |
|      |          |   | and provide a description of essential fish       |
|      |          |   | habitat for each fishery.                         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **       |   | 2a. Directs the agency to deploy observers on     |
|      | 2.Marine |   | fishing vessels (establishes observer guidelines  |
|      | Mammal   |   | and duties) or requires vessels to monitor        |
|      | Pr       |   | incidental mortality and serious injury of marine |
|      | otection |   | mammals during the course of commercial fishing.  |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 2b. 16 USC 1380: Marine Mammal Research Grants    |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| *    |          |   | 2c. (d) BERING SEA ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION\          |
| * ** |          |   | (1) The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation    |
|      |          |   | with the Secretary of the Interior, the Marine    |
|      |          |   | Mammal Commission, the State of Alaska, and       |
|      |          |   | Alaska Native organizations, shall ... undertake  |
|      |          |   | a scientific research program to monitor the      |
|      |          |   | health and stability of the Bering Sea marine     |
|      |          |   | ecosystem and to resolve uncertainties concerning |
|      |          |   | the causes of population declines of marine       |
|      |          |   | mammals, sea birds, and other living resources of |
|      |          |   | that marine ecosystem. The program shall address  |
|      |          |   | the research recommendations developed by         |
|      |          |   | previous workshops on Bering Sea living marine    |
|      |          |   | resources, and shall include research on          |
|      |          |   | subsistence uses of such resources and ways to    |
|      |          |   | provide for the continued opportunity for such    |
|      |          |   | uses.\                                            |
|      |          |   | (2) To the maximum extent practicable, the        |
|      |          |   | research program undertaken pursuant to paragraph |
|      |          |   | (1) shall be conducted in Alaska. The Secretary   |
|      |          |   | of Commerce shall utilize, where appropriate,     |
|      |          |   | traditional local knowledge and may contract with |
|      |          |   | a qualified Alaska Native organization to conduct |
|      |          |   | such research.\                                   |
|      |          |   | (3) The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of   |
|      |          |   | the Interior, and the Commission shall address    |
|      |          |   | the status and findings of the research program   |
|      |          |   | in their annual reports to Congress required by   |
|      |          |   | sections 1373 (f) and 1404 of this title.         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| *    |          |   | 2c. Protect marine mammals and their habitats to  |
| * ** |          |   | maintain sustainable populations                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| *    |          |   |                                                   |
| * ** |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **3.En   |   | 3a. Requires the federal government to protect    |
|      | dangered |   | and conserve species and populations that are     |
|      | Species  |   | endangered, or threatened with extinction.        |
|      | Act**    |   | Observers are used to monitor impacts and certify |
|      |          |   | that takes of endangered species do not exceed    |
|      |          |   | the authorized incidental take limit, as well as  |
|      |          |   | to provide data for recovery plans.               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **4.     |   | 4a. Legislates manadatory placement of at-sea     |
|      | Court    |   | observers aboard vessels operating in certain     |
|      | Orders   |   | fisheries                                         |
|      | (Cons    |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | Law      |   |                                                   |
|      | Fo       |   |                                                   |
|      | undation |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | Evans,   |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 00-1134  |   |                                                   |
|      | (D.D.    |   |                                                   |
|      | C.);Cons |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | Law      |   |                                                   |
|      | Fo       |   |                                                   |
|      | undation |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | American |   |                                                   |
|      | Oceans   |   |                                                   |
|      | Campaign |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | Evans,   |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.,  |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Survival |   |                                                   |
|      | Fund,    |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 01-10927 |   |                                                   |
|      | (        |   |                                                   |
|      | D.Mass.) |   |                                                   |
|      | ;Natural |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | Defense  |   |                                                   |
|      | Council  |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRDC),  |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.   |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | Evans,   |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.,  |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 01-0421  |   |                                                   |
|      | (N.D.    |   |                                                   |
|      | Cal.);   |   |                                                   |
|      | Natural  |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | Defense  |   |                                                   |
|      | Council, |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.   |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | Evans,   |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.,  |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 01-0637  |   |                                                   |
|      | (N.D.    |   |                                                   |
|      | Cal.);   |   |                                                   |
|      | Pacific  |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | Council, |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.   |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | Evans,   |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.,  |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 01-2506  |   |                                                   |
|      | (N.D.    |   |                                                   |
|      | Cal.);   |   |                                                   |
|      | Natural  |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | Defense  |   |                                                   |
|      | Council, |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.   |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | National |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Service, |   |                                                   |
|      | et al.,  |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 02-1650  |   |                                                   |
|      | (N.D.    |   |                                                   |
|      | Cal.);   |   |                                                   |
|      | Center   |   |                                                   |
|      | for      |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | v.       |   |                                                   |
|      | National |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Service, |   |                                                   |
|      | No.      |   |                                                   |
|      | 99-00152 |   |                                                   |
|      | DAE,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2001 WL  |   |                                                   |
|      | 3        |   |                                                   |
|      | 40077401 |   |                                                   |
|      | (        |   |                                                   |
|      | D.Hawaii |   |                                                   |
|      | 2001).** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | * *      |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **5.     |   | 5a. Authorizes or directs the collection of data  |
|      | Co       |   | by fisheries observers                            |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | A        |   |                                                   |
|      | ntarctic |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | Living   |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | (C       |   |                                                   |
|      | CAMLR)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **6.     |   | 6a. Authorizes or directs the collection of data  |
|      | Inter    |   | by fisheries observers                            |
|      | national |   |                                                   |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | mmission |   |                                                   |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Atlantic |   |                                                   |
|      | Tunas    |   |                                                   |
|      | (        |   |                                                   |
|      | ICCAT)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **7.     |   | 7a. Authorizes or directs the collection of data  |
|      | Inter-   |   | by fisheries observers                            |
|      | American |   |                                                   |
|      | Tropical |   |                                                   |
|      | Tuna     |   |                                                   |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | (        |   |                                                   |
|      | IATTC)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **8. FAO |   | 8a. Authorizes or directs the collection of data  |
|      | Inter    |   | by fisheries observers                            |
|      | national |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan of  |   |                                                   |
|      | Action   |   |                                                   |
|      | for      |   |                                                   |
|      | Reducing |   |                                                   |
|      | In       |   |                                                   |
|      | cidental |   |                                                   |
|      | Catch of |   |                                                   |
|      | Seabirds |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | Longline |   |                                                   |
|      | Fis      |   |                                                   |
|      | heries** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | * *      |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **9.     |   | 9a. Article III Purpose of the Organization - The |
|      | PICES    |   | purpose of the Organization shall be:\            |
|      | Treaty   |   | (a) to promote and coordinate marine scientific   |
|      | (North   |   | research in order to advance scientific knowledge |
|      | Pacific  |   | of the area concerned and of its living           |
|      | Marine   |   | resources, including but not necessarily limited  |
|      | Science  |   | to research with respect to the ocean environment |
|      | Organi   |   | and its interactions with land and atmosphere,    |
|      | zation), |   | its role in and response to global weather and    |
|      | ratified |   | climate change, its flora, fauna and ecosystems,  |
|      | December |   | its uses and resources, and impacts upon it from  |
|      | 6,       |   | human activities; and\                            |
|      | 1991**   |   | (b) to promote the collection and exchange of     |
|      |          |   | information and data related to marine scientific |
|      |          |   | research in the area concerned.                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **10.    |   | 10a. Establishes a comprehensive monitoring and   |
|      | Ocean    |   | research program, to be undertaken by the         |
|      | Dumping  |   | Secretary of Commerce in coordination with the    |
|      | Act      |   | EPA and Coast Guard on the effects of ocean       |
|      | (Title   |   | dumping                                           |
|      | II of    |   |                                                   |
|      | the      |   |                                                   |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | Pro      |   |                                                   |
|      | tection, |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esearch, |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | San      |   |                                                   |
|      | ctuaries |   |                                                   |
|      | Act; 33  |   |                                                   |
|      | U.S.C.   |   |                                                   |
|      | §1401 et |   |                                                   |
|      | seq.)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **11.    |   | 11a.Requires the Administrator of the             |
|      | National |   | Environmental Protection Agency and the NOAA      |
|      | Coastal  |   | Under Secretary, in conjunction with other        |
|      | Mo       |   | Federal, state and local authorities, jointly to  |
|      | nitoring |   | develop and implement a program for the long-term |
|      | Act      |   | collection, assimilation, and analysis of         |
|      | (Title V |   | scientific data designed to measure the           |
|      | of the   |   | environmental quality of the nation=s coastal     |
|      | Marine   |   | ecosystems. 33 U.S.C. \' 2803                     |
|      | Pro      |   |                                                   |
|      | tection, |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esearch, |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | San      |   |                                                   |
|      | ctuaries |   |                                                   |
|      | Act; 33  |   |                                                   |
|      | U.S.C. § |   |                                                   |
|      | 2801     |   |                                                   |
|      | -2805)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **12.    |   | 12a.Provides funding for NOAA\'s ocean and        |
|      | National |   | coastal programs under broad categories of        |
|      | Oceanic  |   | observations and assessment in the National Ocean |
|      | and      |   | Service, including funding of programs under      |
|      | Atm      |   | Title II of MPRSA                                 |
|      | ospheric |   |                                                   |
|      | Admini   |   |                                                   |
|      | stration |   |                                                   |
|      | Autho    |   |                                                   |
|      | rization |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1992**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | *** ***  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **13.    |   | 13a. Section 503 states that the Administrator of |
|      | Water    |   | the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in      |
|      | R        |   | consultation with the Administrator of the        |
|      | esources |   | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  |
|      | Dev      |   | shall conduct a comprehensive national survey of  |
|      | elopment |   | data regarding aquatic sediment quality in the    |
|      | Act of   |   | United States.                                    |
|      | 1992**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **14.    |   | 14\. See list of recommendations at end of file:  |
|      | U.S.     |   | USAOP#1 (pg11), USAOP#2 (pg11), USAOP#3 (pg12),   |
|      | Ocean    |   | USOAP#4 (pg13,14), USAOP#5 (pg15), USAOP#6        |
|      | Action   |   | (pg16), USAOP#7 (pg16), USAOP#11 (pg22), USAOP#12 |
|      | Plan**   |   | (pg22), USAOP#13 (pg35), USAOP#14 (pg36),         |
|      |          |   | USAOP#15 (pg36)                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **16.    |   | 16a. The NEPA requires each federal agency to     |
|      | National |   | assess the impact of alternatives for their       |
|      | Envir    |   | actions (including activities conducted, funded   |
|      | onmental |   | or permitted by the agency) on the human          |
|      | Policy   |   | environment. The cumulative impacts of each       |
|      | Act**    |   | activity in combination with other natural and    |
|      |          |   | anthropogenic phenomena are included among the    |
|      |          |   | analyses.                                         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **17.    |   | 17a. The Antarctic Marine Living Resources        |
|      | A        |   | Convention Act implements the *Convention on the  |
|      | ntarctic |   | Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living           |
|      | Marine   |   | Resources*. The Act makes it unlawful to harvest  |
|      | Living   |   | marine species in a way that would damage         |
|      | R        |   | ecological relationships among harvested,         |
|      | esources |   | dependent, and related populations.               |
|      | Co       |   |                                                   |
|      | nvention |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **18.    |   | 18a. To establish an international regime for     |
|      | Co       |   | conservation. management, and optimum utilization |
|      | nvention |   | of pollock resources in the Convention Area; to   |
|      | on the   |   | restore and maintain the pollock resources in the |
|      | Cons     |   | Bering Sea at levels which will permit their      |
|      | ervation |   | maximum sustainable yield; to cooperate in the    |
|      | and      |   | gathering and examining of factual information    |
|      | Ma       |   | concerning pollock and other living marine        |
|      | nagement |   | resources in the Bering Sea; and to provide, if   |
|      | of       |   | the Parties agree, a forum in which to consider   |
|      | Pollock  |   | the establishment of necessary conservation and   |
|      | R        |   | management measures for living marine resources   |
|      | esources |   | other than pollock in the Convention Area as may  |
|      | in the   |   | be required in the future.                        |
|      | Central  |   |                                                   |
|      | Bering   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea      |   |                                                   |
|      | (1994)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **19.    |   | 19a. FAO\'s Major Programme on Fisheries aims to  |
|      | Food and |   | promote sustainable development of responsible    |
|      | Agri     |   | fisheries and contribute to food security. To     |
|      | cultural |   | implement this Major Programme, the Fisheries     |
|      | Orga     |   | Department focuses its activities, through        |
|      | nization |   | programmes in Fishery Resources, Fishery Policy,  |
|      | of the   |   | Fishery Industries and Fishery Information on     |
|      | United   |   | three medium-term strategic objectives, including |
|      | N        |   | Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of       |
|      | ations** |   | Fisheries, with priority given to development of  |
|      |          |   | databases and analysis of information using       |
|      |          |   | modern information systems                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **20.    |   | 20a. ICES is the organization that coordinates    |
|      | Inter    |   | and promotes marine research in the North         |
|      | national |   | Atlantic.                                         |
|      | Counsel  |   |                                                   |
|      | for the  |   |                                                   |
|      | Exp      |   |                                                   |
|      | loration |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **21.    |   | 21a. Emphasizing the importance of scientific     |
|      | North    |   | research for the conservation of anadromous       |
|      | Pacific  |   | stocks in the North Pacific Ocean;\               |
|      | An       |   | Desiring to promote the acquisition, analysis and |
|      | adromous |   | dissemination of scientific information           |
|      | Fish     |   | pertaining to anadromous stocks and ecologically  |
|      | Comm     |   | related species in the North Pacific Ocean;       |
|      | ission** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **22.    |   | 22a. The Whaling Convention Act authorizes the    |
|      | Whaling  |   | Secretary of Commerce to enforce the provisions   |
|      | Co       |   | of the *International Convention for the          |
|      | nvention |   | Regulation of Whaling. Undertake comprehensive    |
|      | Act**    |   | studies of all whales found in waters subject to  |
|      |          |   | the jurisdiction of the U.S. and provide the      |
|      |          |   | recommendations to the U.S. Commissioner*         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **23.    |   | 23a. Help protect the significant natural and     |
|      | E        |   | cultural resources within the marine environment  |
|      | xecutive |   | for the benefit of present and future generations |
|      | Order    |   | by strengthening and expanding the Nation's       |
|      | 13158    |   | system of marine protected areas (MPAs). To this  |
|      | r        |   | end, \.... (b) develop a scientifically based,    |
|      | egarding |   | comprehensive national system of MPAs             |
|      | Marine   |   | representing diverse U.S. marine ecosystems, and  |
|      | P        |   | the Nation's natural and cultural resources;      |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | Areas    |   |                                                   |
|      | (2000)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **24.    |   | 24a. Authorizes a Coastal Ocean Program. "Such    |
|      | Coastal  |   | program shall augment and integrate existing      |
|      | Ocean    |   | programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  |
|      | Program, |   | Administration and shall include efforts to       |
|      | § 201(c) |   | improve predictions of fish stocks, to better     |
|      | of       |   | conserve and manage living marine resources . .   |
|      | Public   |   | .".                                               |
|      | Law      |   |                                                   |
|      | 1        |   |                                                   |
|      | 02-567** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **25.    |   | 25a. The Government Performance and Results Act   |
|      | Go       |   | (GPRA) requires federal agencies to develop and   |
|      | vernment |   | implement an accountability system based on       |
|      | Per      |   | performance measurement, including setting goals  |
|      | formance |   | and objectives and measuring progress toward      |
|      | and      |   | achieving them.                                   |
|      | Results  |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **26.    |   | 26a. The objective of the Sea Grant Act is \"to   |
|      | National |   | increase the understanding, assessment,           |
|      | Sea      |   | development, utilization, and conservation of the |
|      | Grant    |   | Nation\'s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes         |
|      | College  |   | resources by providing assistance to promote a    |
|      | Program  |   | strong educational base, responsive research and  |
|      | Act**    |   | training activities, broad and prompt             |
|      |          |   | dissemination of knowledge and techniques, and    |
|      |          |   | multidisciplinary approaches to environmental     |
|      |          |   | problems.\" The Act directs the Secretary of      |
|      |          |   | Commerce to " . . .provide support for . . .      |
|      |          |   | national strategic investments in fields relating |
|      |          |   | to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources\..." |
|      |          |   | The Act funds a national sea grant network with   |
|      |          |   | 30 Sea Grant state programs, which include        |
|      |          |   | fisheries extensions.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **27.    |   | 27a. Description of the overall goals, associated |
|      | Marine   |   | resource needs, and development of performance    |
|      | Fish     |   | measures for improving data collections, and      |
|      | Stock    |   | assigning new FTEs to stock assessment            |
|      | As       |   | activities. Used as basis for Capability 1 FTE    |
|      | sessment |   | needs                                             |
|      | Imp      |   |                                                   |
|      | rovement |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan     |   |                                                   |
|      | (2001)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **28.    |   | 28a. The Plan outlines a strategy for acquiring   |
|      | NOAA     |   | the critical at-sea fishery-independent data      |
|      | F        |   | through an appropriate blend of NOAA Fishery      |
|      | isheries |   | Survey Vessel and chartered vessel days-at-sea.   |
|      | Data     |   | Primary basis for the vessel days at sea needed   |
|      | Acq      |   | for Capability 1.                                 |
|      | uisition |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan     |   |                                                   |
|      | (1999)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **29.    |   | 29a. · Section 1. Improving the Information Base  |
|      | NOAA     |   | for Stewardship\                                  |
|      | NMFS     |   | o Data Collection \[Fishery Survey Vessels,       |
|      | Requ     |   | Chartered Vessels Days at Sea\]\                  |
|      | irements |   | · Section 2. Determining Abundance/Yields -- New  |
|      | for      |   | Ecosystem Research and Analysis.\                 |
|      | Improved |   | o Improve and Expand Assessments \[Fisheries      |
|      | and      |   | Stock Assessment Improvement\]\                   |
|      | in       |   | o Incorporate Ecosystem Factors into Assessments  |
|      | tegrated |   | \[Fish Habitat Assessment and Restoration\]       |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Fi       |   |                                                   |
|      | sheries, |   |                                                   |
|      | P        |   |                                                   |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Habitat  |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **30.    |   | 30a. Identifies research needs for better         |
|      | Effects  |   | understanding of these effects.                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Trawling |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Dredging |   |                                                   |
|      | on       |   |                                                   |
|      | Seafloor |   |                                                   |
|      | Habitat. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2002.**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **31.    |   | 31a. The NPRB\'s overall mission is to develop a  |
|      | Elements |   | comprehensive, high-caliber science program that  |
|      | of a     |   | provides better understanding of the North        |
|      | Science  |   | Pacific, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean ecosystems  |
|      | Plan for |   | and their fisheries.                              |
|      | the      |   |                                                   |
|      | North    |   |                                                   |
|      | Pacific  |   |                                                   |
|      | Research |   |                                                   |
|      | Board    |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **32.    |   | 32a.Guidance on use of best scientific            |
|      | I        |   | information when information is uncertain.        |
|      | mproving |   |                                                   |
|      | the Use  |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | \"Best   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sc       |   |                                                   |
|      | ientific |   |                                                   |
|      | Inf      |   |                                                   |
|      | ormation |   |                                                   |
|      | Ava      |   |                                                   |
|      | ilable\" |   |                                                   |
|      | Standard |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Man      |   |                                                   |
|      | agement. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **33.    |   | 33a.Provides guidance on the scientific needs for |
|      | Marine   |   | understanding benefits of MPAs.                   |
|      | P        |   |                                                   |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | Areas:   |   |                                                   |
|      | Tools    |   |                                                   |
|      | for      |   |                                                   |
|      | Su       |   |                                                   |
|      | staining |   |                                                   |
|      | Ocean    |   |                                                   |
|      | Eco      |   |                                                   |
|      | systems. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2001.**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **34.    |   | 34a.The review finds that fisheries management    |
|      | Science  |   | depends on the availability of a variety of       |
|      | and Its  |   | biological and environmental data on a timely     |
|      | Role in  |   | basis. Fish assessments could be improved         |
|      | the      |   | primarily through increased expenditures for data |
|      | National |   | collection and analysis, where the most reliable  |
|      | Marine   |   | assessments are obtained from fishery-independent |
|      | F        |   | surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries.              |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Service  |   |                                                   |
|      | (NRC,    |   |                                                   |
|      | 2002)**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **35.    |   | 35a. Guidance for the scientific studies needed   |
|      | The      |   | to better provide the best information on the     |
|      | Decline  |   | ecosystem of Stellar sea lions                    |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | Steller  |   |                                                   |
|      | Sea Lion |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | Alaskan  |   |                                                   |
|      | Waters:  |   |                                                   |
|      | Un       |   |                                                   |
|      | tangling |   |                                                   |
|      | Food     |   |                                                   |
|      | Webs and |   |                                                   |
|      | Fishing  |   |                                                   |
|      | Nets     |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **36.    |   | 36a. The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection    |
|      | Coastal  |   | and Restoration Act supports and funds coastal    |
|      | Wetlands |   | wetlands restoration and conservation projects,   |
|      | P        |   | with particular emphasis on the state of          |
|      | lanning, |   | Louisiana                                         |
|      | Pro      |   |                                                   |
|      | tection, |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Res      |   |                                                   |
|      | toration |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **37.    |   | 37a. Protect, develop and enhance coastal zone    |
|      | Coastal  |   | resources                                         |
|      | Zone     |   |                                                   |
|      | Ma       |   |                                                   |
|      | nagement |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1972 ;   |   |                                                   |
|      | Coastal  |   |                                                   |
|      | Zone Act |   |                                                   |
|      | Reautho  |   |                                                   |
|      | rization |   |                                                   |
|      | Am       |   |                                                   |
|      | endments |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | 1990**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **38.    |   | 38a. Encourage and assist the states with         |
|      | Coastal  |   | development and implementation of management      |
|      | Zone     |   | programs for coastal areas                        |
|      | Ma       |   |                                                   |
|      | nagement |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1972 ;   |   |                                                   |
|      | Coastal  |   |                                                   |
|      | Zone Act |   |                                                   |
|      | Reautho  |   |                                                   |
|      | rization |   |                                                   |
|      | Am       |   |                                                   |
|      | endments |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | 1990**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **39.    |   | 39a. The Comprehensive Environmental Response,    |
|      | COMPR    |   | Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or        |
|      | EHENSIVE |   | Superfund) addresses the cleanup of hazardous     |
|      | ENVIR    |   | waste sites. Under the Act, federal and state     |
|      | ONMENTAL |   | governments are directed to categorize hazardous  |
|      | R        |   | waste sites and prioritize cleanup responses.     |
|      | ESPONSE, |   | CERCLA provides authority for NOAA to act as      |
|      | COMPE    |   | natural resource trustees for releases of         |
|      | NSATION, |   | hazardous substances. Establish necessary         |
|      | AND      |   | contracts, cooperative agreements to conduct      |
|      | L        |   | cleanup activities                                |
|      | IABILITY |   |                                                   |
|      | ACT**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **40.    |   | 40a. Cooperate in carrying out scientific and     |
|      | Estuary  |   | other programs necessary to carry out the Act,    |
|      | Res      |   | including providing facilities and personnel.     |
|      | toration |   | Especially for the Chesapeake Bay region.         |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **41.    |   | 41.a Establish NOAA as an internationally         |
|      | Global   |   | recognized leader with credible scientific        |
|      | Change   |   | expertise in oceans and human health science and  |
|      | Research |   | policy and to fund external and internal          |
|      | Act**    |   | research, training and outreach and establishing  |
|      |          |   | NOAA Centers of Excellence. (OAR and NOS)         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **42.    |   | 42a. The Task Force, in cooperation with \....    |
|      | Harmful  |   | shall complete and submit to the Congress an      |
|      | Algal    |   | assessment which examines the ecological and      |
|      | Bloom    |   | economic consequences of harmful algal blooms,    |
|      | and      |   | alternatives for reducing, mitigating, and        |
|      | Hypoxia  |   | controlling harmful algal blooms, and the social  |
|      | Research |   | and economic costs and benefits of such           |
|      | and      |   | alternatives.                                     |
|      | Control  |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1998**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **43.    |   | 43a. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to      |
|      | Marine   |   | "support, promote, and coordinate research on,    |
|      | Pro      |   | and long-term monitoring of, sanctuary resources  |
|      | tection, |   | and natural processes that occur in National      |
|      | R        |   | Marine Sanctuaries, including exploration,        |
|      | esearch, |   | mapping, and environmental and socioeconomic      |
|      | and      |   | assessment..."                                    |
|      | San      |   |                                                   |
|      | ctuaries |   |                                                   |
|      | Act of   |   |                                                   |
|      | 1972**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **44.    |   | 44a. Fundamental ocean research and discovery     |
|      | National |   | focused on gaining an understanding of the        |
|      | M        |   | impacts of hydrothermal vents on virtually all    |
|      | aterials |   | major components of the global ocean environment. |
|      | and      |   | Maintain ongoing in situ biological, physical,    |
|      | Minerals |   | and chemical time-series observations in and      |
|      | Policy   |   | around representative active submarine volcanic   |
|      | Research |   | and hydrothermal regions, coupled with remote     |
|      | and      |   | monitoring using acoustic technology. (OAR-VENTS) |
|      | Dev      |   |                                                   |
|      | elopment |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **45.    |   | 45a. Assess damages for the natural resources     |
|      | Oil      |   | under their trusteeship; develop and implement a  |
|      | P        |   | plan for the restoration, rehabilitation,         |
|      | ollution |   | replacement, or acquisition of the equivalent of, |
|      | Act**    |   | the natural resources under their trusteeship.    |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **46.    |   | 46a. Manage uses of ecosystems by applying        |
|      | NMFS     |   | scientifically sound observations, assessments,   |
|      | S        |   | and research findings to ensure the sustainable   |
|      | trategic |   | use of resources and to balance competing uses of |
|      | Plan for |   | coastal and marine ecosystems.                    |
|      | 200      |   |                                                   |
|      | 5-2010** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **47.    |   | 47a. Ocean.US was created by the National         |
|      | Oc       |   | Oceanographic Partnership Program to coordinate   |
|      | ean.US** |   | the development of an operational and integrated  |
|      |          |   | and sustained ocean observing system (IOOS).      |
|      |          |   | Information from this IOOS system will serve      |
|      |          |   | national needs for: Detecting and forecasting     |
|      |          |   | oceanic components of climate variability;        |
|      |          |   | Facilitating safe and efficient marine            |
|      |          |   | operations; Ensuring national security; Managing  |
|      |          |   | resources for sustainable use; Preserving and     |
|      |          |   | restoring healthy marine ecosystems Mitigating    |
|      |          |   | natural hazards; Ensuring public health           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **48.    |   | 48a. NOAA's Undersea Research Program (NURP) was  |
|      | National |   | created based on recommendations from the         |
|      | Research |   | National Research Council (NRC). In this report,  |
|      | Council  |   | the NRC recommended "...the establishment within  |
|      | Report   |   | NOAA of a broad research program exploiting the   |
|      | "        |   | use of existing facilities and enhancing present  |
|      | Oceanlab |   | studies including saturation diving,              |
|      | concept  |   | submersibles, and remotely controlled unmanned    |
|      | review"  |   | vehicles...\[this program would also\] carry out  |
|      | (1980)** |   | the necessary scientific and engineering studies, |
|      |          |   | development programs, and actual procurement      |
|      |          |   | necessary to bring the best relevant technology   |
|      |          |   | that can be available in the next few years into  |
|      |          |   | action in support of ocean research. This should  |
|      |          |   | include the design and construction of broadly    |
|      |          |   | useful work systems, special research tools, and  |
|      |          |   | a major support craft of advanced design."        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **49.    |   | 49a. Provides guidance for ecosystem              |
|      | Su       |   | investigations to broaden the scope of marine     |
|      | staining |   | fisheries assessments and management.             |
|      | Marine   |   |                                                   |
|      | Fi       |   |                                                   |
|      | sheries. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 1999**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **50.    |   | 50a. This 2003 study examined ship platform       |
|      | NOAA     |   | requirements for six NOAA mission areas,          |
|      | Ship     |   | including 'fisheries surveys and science.' The    |
|      | Platform |   | principal recommendation in this mission area     |
|      | Requ     |   | calls for the construction of two additional new  |
|      | irements |   | NOAA Fishery Survey Vessels for a fleet total of  |
|      | for the  |   | six by 2011.                                      |
|      | Ten-Year |   |                                                   |
|      | Period   |   |                                                   |
|      | from FY  |   |                                                   |
|      | 2003--FY |   |                                                   |
|      | 2012**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **1.     |   | 1a. National Standard 8 "(8) Conservation and     |
|      | Magnuson |   | management measures shall, consistent with the    |
|      | Stevens  |   | conservation requirements of this Act (including  |
|      | Fishery  |   | the prevention of overfishing and rebuilding of   |
|      | Cons     |   | overfished stocks), take into account the         |
|      | ervation |   | importance of fishery resources to fishing        |
|      | and      |   | communities                                       |
|      | Ma       |   |                                                   |
|      | nagement |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| **4. |          |   | 1b. National Standard 1 "(1) Conservation and     |
| Econ |          |   | management measures shall prevent overfishing     |
| omic |          |   | while achieving, on a continuing basis, the       |
| and  |          |   | optimum yield from each fishery for the United    |
| So   |          |   | States fishing industry."                         |
| cial |          |   |                                                   |
| S    |          |   |                                                   |
| cien |          |   |                                                   |
| ce** |          |   |                                                   |
|      |          |   |                                                   |
| *    |          |   |                                                   |
| *Mon |          |   |                                                   |
| itor |          |   |                                                   |
| ing, |          |   |                                                   |
| As   |          |   |                                                   |
| sess |          |   |                                                   |
| ment |          |   |                                                   |
| and  |          |   |                                                   |
| For  |          |   |                                                   |
| ecas |          |   |                                                   |
| ts** |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1c. National Standard 5 "(5) Conservation and     |
|      |          |   | management measures shall, where practicable,     |
|      |          |   | consider efficiency in the utilization of fishery |
|      |          |   | resources; except that no such measure shall have |
|      |          |   | economic allocation as its sole purpose."         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1d. National Standard 7 "(7) Conservation and     |
|      |          |   | management measures shall, where practicable,     |
|      |          |   | minimize costs and avoid unnecessary              |
|      |          |   | duplication."                                     |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1e. Conserve and manage the fishery resource off  |
|      |          |   | the U.S. coasts and U.S. anadromous species and   |
|      |          |   | Continental Shelf fishery resources               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1f. Promote domestic commercial and recreational  |
|      |          |   | fishing under sound conservation and management   |
|      |          |   | principles                                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1g. Provide for preparation and implementation of |
|      |          |   | fishery management plans to achieve and maintain  |
|      |          |   | the optimum yield of each fishery on a continuing |
|      |          |   | basis                                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1h. National Standard 2 - Conservation and        |
|      |          |   | management measures shall be based upon the best  |
|      |          |   | scientific information available.\                |
|      |          |   | The Secretary is responsible for producing a      |
|      |          |   | document that provides Councils with a summary of |
|      |          |   | information concerning the most recent biological |
|      |          |   | condition of stocks and marine ecosystems.        |
|      |          |   | Fishery Management Plans must specify objective   |
|      |          |   | and measurable criteria for identifying when the  |
|      |          |   | fishery to which the plan applies is overfished   |
|      |          |   | (with an analysis of how the criteria were        |
|      |          |   | determined and the relationship of the criteria   |
|      |          |   | to the reproductive potential of stocks of fish   |
|      |          |   | in that fishery)                                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1i. The Secretary shall initiate and maintain, in |
|      |          |   | cooperation with the Councils, a comprehensive    |
|      |          |   | program of fishery research to carry out and      |
|      |          |   | further the purposes, policy, and provisions of   |
|      |          |   | this Act. Such program shall be designed to       |
|      |          |   | acquire knowledge and information, including      |
|      |          |   | statistics, on fishery conservation and           |
|      |          |   | management and on the economics and social        |
|      |          |   | characteristics of the fisheries. Section         |
|      |          |   | 404(c)(1), identifies areas of research, and the  |
|      |          |   | implicit need for more and better data: ·         |
|      |          |   | Research to support fishery conservation and      |
|      |          |   | management, including but not limited to,         |
|      |          |   | biological research concerning the abundance and  |
|      |          |   | life history parameters of stocks of fish, the    |
|      |          |   | interdependence of fisheries or stocks of fish,   |
|      |          |   | the identification of essential fish habitat, the |
|      |          |   | impact of pollution on fish populations, and      |
|      |          |   | other factors affecting the abundance and         |
|      |          |   | availability of fish.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1j. The Secretary shall, in cooperation with      |
|      |          |   | ...., develop recommendations for implementation  |
|      |          |   | of a standardized fishing vessel registration and |
|      |          |   | information management system on a regional       |
|      |          |   | basis.                                            |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | 1k. The Secretary shall report annually to the    |
|      |          |   | Congress and the Councils on the status of        |
|      |          |   | fisheries within each Council's geographical area |
|      |          |   | of authority                                      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **       |   | 2.Take into account fishery economics when        |
|      | 2.Marine |   | designing Take Reduction Plans, which reduce the  |
|      | Mammal   |   | incidental mortality or serious injury of marine  |
|      | Pr       |   | mammals incidentally taken in the course of       |
|      | otection |   | commercial fishing                                |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **3.En   |   | 3\. Take into consideration the economic impact,  |
|      | dangered |   | and any other relevant impact, of specifying any  |
|      | Species  |   | area as critical habitat.                         |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **4.     |   | 4\. Assess the quanititative and qualititatve     |
|      | E        |   | costs and benefits of all regulations, to         |
|      | xecutive |   | maximize the net benefits (economic,              |
|      | Order    |   | environmental, public health and safety, and      |
|      | 12866    |   | other advantages; distributive impacts; and       |
|      | for EPA  |   | equity)                                           |
|      | (1993)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **5.     |   | 5\. Conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis,    |
|      | Re       |   | including analysing the economic impact on small  |
|      | gulatory |   | entities, for every proposed rulemaking and final |
|      | Fle      |   | rule                                              |
|      | xibility |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **6.     |   | 6a. Utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary       |
|      | National |   | approach, which will insure the integrated use of |
|      | Envir    |   | the natural and social sciences and the           |
|      | onmental |   | environmental design arts in planning and in      |
|      | Policy   |   | decision-making that may have an impact on man\'s |
|      | Act.**   |   | environment;                                      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **7.     |   | 7a. FAO\'s Major Programme on Fisheries aims to   |
|      | Food and |   | promote sustainable development of responsible    |
|      | Agri     |   | fisheries and contribute to food security. To     |
|      | cultural |   | implement this Major Programme, the Fisheries     |
|      | Orga     |   | Department focuses its activities, through        |
|      | nization |   | programmes in Fishery Resources, Fishery Policy,  |
|      | of the   |   | Fishery Industries and Fishery Information on     |
|      | United   |   | three medium-term strategic objectives, including |
|      | N        |   | Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of       |
|      | ations** |   | Fisheries, with priority given to development of  |
|      |          |   | databases and analysis of information using       |
|      |          |   | modern information systems                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **8.     |   | 8a. Implement the fishing allocations specified   |
|      | American |   | for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands pollock       |
|      | F        |   | fishery                                           |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **9.     |   | 9a. The Government Performance and Results Act    |
|      | Go       |   | (GPRA) requires federal agencies to develop and   |
|      | vernment |   | implement an accountability system based on       |
|      | Per      |   | performance measurement, including setting goals  |
|      | formance |   | and objectives and measuring progress toward      |
|      | and      |   | achieving them.                                   |
|      | Results  |   |                                                   |
|      | Act**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **10.    |   | 10a. The Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act        |
|      | Int      |   | promotes and encourages State activities in       |
|      | erjurisd |   | support of the management of interjurisdictional  |
|      | ictional |   | fishery resources throughout their range. The Act |
|      | F        |   | provides the Secretary of Commerce to assist      |
|      | isheries |   | states manage their interjurisdictional fishery   |
|      | Act**    |   | resources. The Act authorizes appropriations for  |
|      |          |   | \...the three interstate fishery commissions      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **11.    |   | 11a. The objective of the Sea Grant Act is \"to   |
|      | National |   | increase the understanding, assessment,           |
|      | Sea      |   | development, utilization, and conservation of the |
|      | Grant    |   | Nation\'s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes         |
|      | College  |   | resources by providing assistance to promote a    |
|      | Program  |   | strong educational base, responsive research and  |
|      | Act**    |   | training activities, broad and prompt             |
|      |          |   | dissemination of knowledge and techniques, and    |
|      |          |   | multidisciplinary approaches to environmental     |
|      |          |   | problems.\" The Act directs the Secretary of      |
|      |          |   | Commerce to " . . .provide support for . . .      |
|      |          |   | national strategic investments in fields relating |
|      |          |   | to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources\..." |
|      |          |   | The Act funds a national sea grant network with   |
|      |          |   | 30 Sea Grant state programs, which include        |
|      |          |   | fisheries extensions.                             |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **12.    |   | 12a. To create an umbrella program that           |
|      | F        |   | coordinates techniques to gather and disseminate  |
|      | isheries |   | data nationally while accounting for the unique   |
|      | Inf      |   | characteristics of regional commercial and        |
|      | ormation |   | recreational fisheries.                           |
|      | System   |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **13.    |   | 13a. · Section 1. Improving the Information Base  |
|      | NOAA     |   | for Stewardship\                                  |
|      | NMFS     |   | o Data Collection \[Fishery Survey Vessels,       |
|      | Requ     |   | Chartered Vessels Days at Sea\]\                  |
|      | irements |   | · Section 2. Determining Abundance/Yields -- New  |
|      | for      |   | Ecosystem Research and Analysis.\                 |
|      | Improved |   | o Improve and Expand Assessments \[Fisheries      |
|      | and      |   | Stock Assessment Improvement\]\                   |
|      | in       |   | o Incorporate Ecosystem Factors into Assessments  |
|      | tegrated |   | \[Fish Habitat Assessment and Restoration\]       |
|      | Cons     |   |                                                   |
|      | ervation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Fi       |   |                                                   |
|      | sheries, |   |                                                   |
|      | P        |   |                                                   |
|      | rotected |   |                                                   |
|      | R        |   |                                                   |
|      | esources |   |                                                   |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | Habitat  |   |                                                   |
|      | (2003)** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **14.    |   | 14a. A particular need is to improve the quality  |
|      | I        |   | of data from commercial and recreational          |
|      | mproving |   | fisheries, so that stock assessment scientists    |
|      | the      |   | can be justifiably confident about using such     |
|      | Col      |   | data in their models. The committee believes that |
|      | lection, |   | all the participants in fisheries management      |
|      | Man      |   | should take actions to improve the collection,    |
|      | agement, |   | management, and use of fisheries data. Included   |
|      | and Use  |   | favorable recommendations for the Fishery         |
|      | of       |   | Information System, recreational fishery data,    |
|      | Marine   |   | cooperative research, new Fisheries Survey        |
|      | F        |   | Vessels.                                          |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Data.    |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2000**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **15.    |   | 15a. Guidance on use of best scientific           |
|      | I        |   | information when information is uncertain.        |
|      | mproving |   |                                                   |
|      | the Use  |   |                                                   |
|      | of the   |   |                                                   |
|      | \"Best   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sc       |   |                                                   |
|      | ientific |   |                                                   |
|      | Inf      |   |                                                   |
|      | ormation |   |                                                   |
|      | Ava      |   |                                                   |
|      | ilable\" |   |                                                   |
|      | Standard |   |                                                   |
|      | in       |   |                                                   |
|      | F        |   |                                                   |
|      | isheries |   |                                                   |
|      | Man      |   |                                                   |
|      | agement. |   |                                                   |
|      | NRC,     |   |                                                   |
|      | 2004**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **16.    |   | 16a. Establishes a plan for improvement of social |
|      | NMFS     |   | and economic research capability in NMFS          |
|      | Social   |   |                                                   |
|      | Sciences |   |                                                   |
|      | Program  |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **17.    |   | 17a. The Administrative Procedure Act requires    |
|      | Admini   |   | federal agencies to keep the public informed of   |
|      | strative |   | their organization, procedures and rules; to      |
|      | Pr       |   | develop standards for rule making process, and    |
|      | ocedures |   | allow for the public's participation in the rule  |
|      | Act**    |   | making process; and to restate the law of         |
|      |          |   | judicial review.                                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **18.    |   | 18\. See list of recommendations at end of file:  |
|      | U.S.     |   | USAOP#1 (pg11), USOAP#4 (pg13,14), USAOP#7        |
|      | Ocean    |   | (pg16), USAOP#10 (pg19), USAOP#14 (pg36)          |
|      | Action   |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
| **5. | **1. 33  |   | 1a. Conduct investigations and research in the    |
| Data | U.S.C    |   | geophysical sciences (including oceanography) in  |
| Man  | 883d**   |   | order to increase engineering and scientific      |
| agem |          |   | knowledge. \[collection, processing, storage and  |
| ent, |          |   | analysis of such data are a necessary adjunct to  |
| Te   |          |   | these functions\]                                 |
| chno |          |   |                                                   |
| logy |          |   |                                                   |
| T    |          |   |                                                   |
| rans |          |   |                                                   |
| fer, |          |   |                                                   |
| E    |          |   |                                                   |
| duca |          |   |                                                   |
| tion |          |   |                                                   |
| and  |          |   |                                                   |
| Ou   |          |   |                                                   |
| trea |          |   |                                                   |
| ch** |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **2. 33  |   | 2a. Perform duties as necessary to assure the     |
|      | U.S.C    |   | future availability and usefullness of ocean      |
|      | 883j**   |   | satellite data to the maritime community          |
|      |          |   | \[collection, processing, storage and analysis of |
|      |          |   | such data are a necessary adjunct to these        |
|      |          |   | functions\]                                       |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **3.     |   | 3a. President Nixon transferred the National      |
|      | E        |   | Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) to NOAA from the |
|      | xecutive |   | Department of the Navy. The Executive Order       |
|      | Order    |   | provided all of the power and authority related   |
|      | No.      |   | or incidental to, in support of, or necessary     |
|      | 11564,   |   | for, the operation of NODC may be utilized by the |
|      | dated    |   | Secretary of Commerce for the operation of the    |
|      | October  |   | program.                                          |
|      | 6, 1970  |   |                                                   |
|      | (35 F.R. |   |                                                   |
|      | 15801)   |   |                                                   |
|      | and in   |   |                                                   |
|      | implem   |   |                                                   |
|      | entation |   |                                                   |
|      | of       |   |                                                   |
|      | Reorga   |   |                                                   |
|      | nization |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan No. |   |                                                   |
|      | 4 of     |   |                                                   |
|      | 1970,**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **4.     |   | 4a. The Office of the Assistant Administrator of  |
|      | De       |   | NESDIS is responsible for operating an            |
|      | partment |   | environmental service center in which             |
|      | Orga     |   | oceanographic data and information are collected, |
|      | nization |   | processed, stored, analyzed, applied, and         |
|      | Order    |   | disseminated to the public and specialized users. |
|      | 25-5,**  |   | Section 9.02e. NODC is directed to develop and    |
|      |          |   | maintain a national marine nvironmental data base |
|      |          |   | generated by domestic and foreign activities.     |
|      |          |   | Section 9.08. In addition, NODC is tasked with    |
|      |          |   | the operation of the ICSU World Data Center-A for |
|      |          |   | Oceanography, providing expertise as necessary    |
|      |          |   | for Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission    |
|      |          |   | programs. Section 9.08d.                          |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **5.     |   | 5a. Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and  |
|      | E        |   | Access                                            |
|      | xecutive |   |                                                   |
|      | Order    |   |                                                   |
|      | 12906**  |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **6.     |   | 6., 7.,8. To improve management decisions in the  |
|      | National |   | coastal environment. Provide access to the        |
|      | Spatial  |   | long-term coastal data record to support          |
|      | Data     |   | monitoring, prediction, and analyses; to help in  |
|      | Infrastr |   | the formulation of public policy; to facilitate   |
|      | ucture** |   | ecosystem approach to management. Create a        |
|      |          |   | unified long-term database of coastal and marine  |
|      |          |   | datasets. Create a catalog of coastal and marine  |
|      |          |   | data and create a virtual network of distributed  |
|      |          |   | nodes re data repositories. Develop operational   |
|      |          |   | ecosystem data portals that support Ecosystem     |
|      |          |   | Goal Programs and IOOS (Outcomes). Develop, in    |
|      |          |   | cooperation with state and local governments      |
|      |          |   | (including tribal), and the private sector, a     |
|      |          |   | coordinated National Spatial Data Infrastructure  |
|      |          |   | (NSDI) to support public and private applications |
|      |          |   | of geospatially-enabled data. Establish a         |
|      |          |   | coordinated approach to develop (electronically)  |
|      |          |   | the NSDI (requirements)                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **7. The |   |                                                   |
|      | Federal  |   |                                                   |
|      | Ge       |   |                                                   |
|      | ographic |   |                                                   |
|      | Data     |   |                                                   |
|      | Com      |   |                                                   |
|      | mittee** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **9.     |   | 9a. Requires a report to Congress on the status   |
|      | Public   |   | of data management capacity                       |
|      | Law      |   |                                                   |
|      | 1        |   |                                                   |
|      | 02-567** |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **10.    |   | 10a. Every two years NOAA will assess whether     |
|      | Public   |   | there is adequate capacity to: \* manage,         |
|      | Law      |   | archive, and disseminate environmental data and   |
|      | 102-567  |   | information collected, processed, or expected to  |
|      | section  |   | be collected, processed, by NOAA and other        |
|      | 106 (c)  |   | appropriate departments and agencies              |
|      | and      |   |                                                   |
|      | (2)**    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | ** **    |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **11.    |   | 11\. See list of recommendations at end of file:  |
|      | U.S.     |   | USAOP#1 (pg11), USOAP#4 (pg13,14), USAOP#5        |
|      | Ocean    |   | (pg15), USAOP#6 (pg16), USAOP#13 (pg35), USAOP#14 |
|      | Action   |   | (pg36), USAOP#16 (pg37)                           |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **13.    |   | 13a. FAO\'s Major Programme on Fisheries aims to  |
|      | Food and |   | promote sustainable development of responsible    |
|      | Agri     |   | fisheries and contribute to food security. To     |
|      | cultural |   | implement this Major Programme, the Fisheries     |
|      | Orga     |   | Department focuses its activities, through        |
|      | nization |   | programmes in Fishery Resources, Fishery Policy,  |
|      | of the   |   | Fishery Industries and Fishery Information on     |
|      | United   |   | three medium-term strategic objectives, including |
|      | N        |   | Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of       |
|      | ations** |   | Fisheries, with priority given to development of  |
|      |          |   | databases and analysis of information using       |
|      |          |   | modern information systems                        |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **14.    |   | 14a. "The purpose...(a) to promote and coordinate |
|      | PICES    |   | marine scientific research in order to advance    |
|      | (North   |   | scientific knowledge of the area concerned and of |
|      | Pacific  |   | its living resources, including but not           |
|      | Marine   |   | necessarily limited to research with respect to   |
|      | Science  |   | the ocean environment and its interactions with   |
|      | Organ    |   | land and atmosphere, its role in and response to  |
|      | ization) |   | global weather and climate change, its flora,     |
|      | (1991)** |   | fauna and ecosystems, its uses and resources, and |
|      |          |   | impacts upon it from human activities; and (b) to |
|      |          |   | promote the collection and exchange of            |
|      |          |   | information and data related to marine scientific |
|      |          |   | research in the area concerned."                  |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **15.    |   | 15a. The NEPA requires each federal agency to     |
|      | National |   | assess the impact of alternatives for their       |
|      | Envir    |   | actions (including activities conducted, funded   |
|      | onmental |   | or permitted by the agency) on the human          |
|      | Policy   |   | environment. The cumulative impacts of each       |
|      | Act**    |   | activity in combination with other natural and    |
|      |          |   | anthropogenic phenomena are included among the    |
|      |          |   | analyses.                                         |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      | **U.S.   |   |                                                   |
|      | Ocean    |   |                                                   |
|      | Action   |   |                                                   |
|      | Plan**   |   |                                                   |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.1 Support a Regional Partnership in the     |
|      |          |   | Gulf of Mexico: Administration officials will     |
|      |          |   | meet with the appropriate regional                |
|      |          |   | representatives in the spring of 2005 to explore  |
|      |          |   | partnership opportunities. (pg. 11)               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.2 Advance Ocean Stewardship through         |
|      |          |   | Implementaion of Cooperative Conservation         |
|      |          |   | Executive Order (pg.11)                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.3 Develop an Ocean Research Priorities Plan |
|      |          |   | and Implementation Strategy - The Implementation  |
|      |          |   | Strategy will identify how the various ocean      |
|      |          |   | science sectors (government, academic, industry,  |
|      |          |   | and other non-government entities) can and should |
|      |          |   | be engaged, individually or through partnerships. |
|      |          |   | These types of strategies would include           |
|      |          |   | cooperative research) (pg12)                      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.4 Build a Global Earth Observation Network, |
|      |          |   | Including Integrated Oceans Observation: Develop  |
|      |          |   | a strategy for integration and possible           |
|      |          |   | convergence of existing and future requisite      |
|      |          |   | coastal observing systems of the IOOS. (pg. 13,   |
|      |          |   | 14)                                               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.5 Create a National Water Quality           |
|      |          |   | Monitoring Network: The National Water Quality    |
|      |          |   | Monitoring Council will provide advice and        |
|      |          |   | recommendations regarding the design and creation |
|      |          |   | of a coordinated, comprehensivenational water     |
|      |          |   | quality monitoring network. (pg. 15)              |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.6 Implement New Legislation on Harmful      |
|      |          |   | Algal Blooms and Hypoxia: Reconvene the           |
|      |          |   | Interagency Task Force established under the      |
|      |          |   | Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of |
|      |          |   | 2004, to coordinate research and actions          |
|      |          |   | onharmful algal blooms and hypoxia. (pg. 16)      |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.7 Increase Ocean Education Coordination:    |
|      |          |   | Data collected through ocean and Earth            |
|      |          |   | observations are translated into usable forms for |
|      |          |   | teachers, students, and the general public        |
|      |          |   | (pg.16)                                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.8 Support the Ocean Science Initiative at   |
|      |          |   | the Smithsonian Institution (pg.17)               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.9 Harmonize Recreational Fishing Data       |
|      |          |   | Acquisition for Fishery Management Purposes       |
|      |          |   | (pg.19)                                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.10 Establish Guidelines and Procedures for  |
|      |          |   | the Use of Science in Fisheries Management        |
|      |          |   | (pg.19)                                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.11 Implement New National Bycatch Strategy  |
|      |          |   | (p. 22) - Specific mention of the national        |
|      |          |   | cooperative research program and coordinator (pg  |
|      |          |   | 22)                                               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.12 Propose New Limits on Atlantic Gill Net  |
|      |          |   | Fishing to Protect Dolphins and Sea Turtles - The |
|      |          |   | proposal calls on NOAA to conduct research with   |
|      |          |   | the fishing industry into ways to promote safer   |
|      |          |   | fishing gear - this would be cooperative          |
|      |          |   | research. (pg.22)                                 |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.13 Partnership Creation: White Water to     |
|      |          |   | Blue Water Initiative: Assist in the formation of |
|      |          |   | dynamic partnerships that promote sustainable     |
|      |          |   | environmental management in the Caribbean region. |
|      |          |   | (pg. 35)                                          |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.14 Advance the Use of Large Marine          |
|      |          |   | Ecosystems (pg. 36)                               |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.15 Support an Integrated Approach to Oceans |
|      |          |   | Management and Reduction of Land-based Pollution  |
|      |          |   | (pg.36)                                           |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+
|      |          |   | USOAP.16 Link the Global Marine Assessment and    |
|      |          |   | Global Earth Observation System of Systems: Seek  |
|      |          |   | to create international links between the Global  |
|      |          |   | Marine Assessment and Global Earth Observing      |
|      |          |   | System of Systems. (pg. 37)                       |
+------+----------+---+---------------------------------------------------+