Draft supplemental environmental impact statement (DSEIS)

SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) intends to prepare a DSEIS that describes and analyzes management alternatives associated with limiting access in the king mackerel and reef fish fisheries. The purpose of this notice is to solicit public comments on the scope of issues to be addressed in the DSEIS, which will be submitted to NMFS for filing with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for publication of a Notice of Availability for public comment.

DATES: Written comments must be received by the Council by 5 p.m. on March 5, 2004 (see ADDRESSES). A series of scoping meetings will be held in February and March 2004. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific dates and times.

ADDRESSES: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 3018 North U.S. Highway 301, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33619; telephone: (813) 228- 2815; fax: (813) 225-7015. Comments may also be sent by e-mail to: Rick.Leard@gulfcouncil.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Leard; phone: (813) 228-2815 ext.  228; fax: (813) 225-7015; e-mail: Rick.Leard@gulfcouncil.org.