NOAA Fisheries has published a proposed rule that would implement Amendment 63 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. Amendment 63, if approved, would move skates from the "other species'" list to the "target species" list in the FMP. By including skates as a target species, a directed fishery for skates in the Gulf of Alaska may be managed to reduce the potential for overfishing skates.

Comments may be sent to Sue Salveson, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, Attn: Lori Durall, or delivered to room 420 of the Federal Building, 709 West 9th Street, Juneau, AK. Comments may also be sent via fax to 907-586-7557. Comments will not be accepted if submitted via e-mail or Internet. All comments must be received by February 20, 2004. For more information contact Melanie Brown, 907-586-7228 or melanie.brown@noaa.gov.