Summary: 2003 NOAA Fisheries Constituent Sessions: Gulf of Mexico Region

摘要

NOAA Fisheries, working with the Pacific States Fisheries Management Commission, contracted with MerrellKatsouros LLP to schedule a series of regional constituent sessions and to evaluate constituent's e-mail communications. The purpose of the sessions was to gather public input on ways to improve the effectiveness of NOAA Fisheries and its management of living marine resources. The regional sessions were a collaborative effort that involved all major marine fisheries interests. The primary objective was to assemble and analyze the diverse opinions, attitudes, and perspectives of marine resource stakeholders as they relate to the broad themes of U.S. fisheries management. A secondary objective was to identify possible performance measures. The meetings were announced in the Federal Register, on the NOAA Fisheries web page, and on the web page of each of the regional Fishery Management Councils. In addition, stakeholders unable to participate at the regional sessions were encouraged to use the E-Comments pilot program to share their views. The following questions were developed to assist stakeholders: 1. What are the most important issue facing fisheries in your region$ 2. Who has responsibility over this issue. If unclear or uncertain, who should be in charge$ 3. Does the solution require (a) no change to the present administrative or statutory structure$ (b) administrative changes, and if so what would you propose$ or (c) statutory changes, and if so, what would they be$ 4. How could one measure if the solution is being properly implemented and working$ and 5. Briefly describe the best way to keep you informed about changes within NOAA Fisheries and fisheries management.