On December 5, NOAA Fisheries published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to implement Amendment 16-2 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 16-2 amends the FMP to include rebuilding plans for the following overfished species: lingcod, canary rockfish, darkblotched rockfish, and Pacific ocean perch. The proposed rule can be viewed at: www.pcouncil.org/fr/fr2003.html.

Comments must be submitted in writing by January 5, 2004 to D. Robert Lohn, Administrator, Northwest Region, NOAA Fisheries, Sand Point Way NE., BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070. Attn: Becky Renko. Copies of Amendment 16-2 and its associated environmental impact statement/regulatory impact analysis/initial regulatory flexibility analysis (EIS/RIR/IRFA) are available from Donald McIsaac, Executive Director, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Portland, OR 97220, phone: 503-820-2280. For further information, contact Becky Renko by phone: 206-526-6150; fax: 206-526-6736; or e-mail: becky.renko@noaa.gov.