[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 3, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 52387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22531]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Announcement of Fall 2003 U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting

AGENCY: Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and opportunity for public comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Time and Date: Part I--8 a.m. to 5 pm Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, (CNMI) October 3, 2003; Part II--8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Guam, October 6, 2003. All times Chamorro Standard Time.
    Place: Part I--Dai Ichi Hotel, Garapan, Saipan, CNMI; Part II--
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Tumon Bay, Guam.
SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce announces the October 2003 public 
meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF) in CNMI and Guam. 
Through the coordinated efforts of its members, including the heads of 
eleven federal agencies, the Governors of seven states and territories, 
and the leaders of the Freely Associated States, the Task Force has 
helped lead U.S. efforts to address the coral reef crisis and 
sustainably manage the nation's valuable coral reef ecosystems.
    Matters To Be Considered: During the October 2003 public meeting, 
the CRTF will discuss implementation of the National Coral Reef Action 
Strategy, recognize significant contributions to coral reef 
conservation, discuss implementation and development of 3-year Local 
Action Strategies, and accept public comments. Once finalized, the 
agenda will be available from the contacts below and will also be 
published on the Web at http://coralreef.gov/.
    Individuals and organizations will have opportunities to register 
for both exhibit space and to provide public comments. Wherever 
possible, those with similar viewpoints or messages are encouraged to 
make joint statements. Public comments will be received on the 
afternoons of October 3rd (in CNMI) and October 6th (in Guam). Written 
public statements may also be submitted to the Task Force prior to the 
meeting or following the meeting. The deadline for submission of 
written public statements is October 20, 2003.
    Travel information and meeting updates are posted on the Web at 
http://coralreef.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Organizations and individuals based 
outside of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
wishing to register for public comments, submit written public 
statements or to obtain additional information should contact the CRTF 
meeting office: Lisa Dawson, Coral Reef Conservation Program, Office of 
Response and Restoration, N/ORR, 1305 East West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 
20910, Phone (301) 713-2989 x105, Fax (301) 713-4389, e-mail: 
[email protected], subject: USCRTF meeting.
    Organizations or individuals in Guam and CNMI should contact: Becky 
Cruz Lizama, CNMI Point of Contact, Coastal Resources Management 
Office, Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950, 
Telephone: (670) 664-8305, e-mail: [email protected], subject: 
USCRTF meeting.
    Exhibit space reservations can be made on the on-line meeting 
registration form at http://coralreef.gov.

    Dated: August 29, 2003.
Ted I. Lillestolen,
Captain/NOAA, Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator, Ocean Services 
and Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 03-22531 Filed 9-2-03; 12:33 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P