Public Scoping Meetings

Public Scoping Meetings

SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) intends to consider alternatives for developing a Generic Amendment for Offshore Marine Aquaculture . In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council has prepared a scoping document, and has scheduled a series of scoping meetings to solicit public input regarding these alternatives. Based on the range of alternatives and issues identified during the scoping process, the Council may be required to develop a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS).

DATES: The scoping meetings will be held in February and March 2004. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for specific dates, times, and locations. Public comments on the scoping document for a Generic Amendment for Offshore Marine Aquaculture should be received in the Council office by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 5, 2004, to ensure consideration by the Council.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on, and requests for, the scoping document should be addressed to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 3018 U.S. North Highway 301, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33619; telephone: (813) 228-2815.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wayne Swingle, Executive Director, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; telephone: (813) 228-2815 ext. 230.