travel, hotel and booking Information

Southeast Bycatch Workshop

The public is invited to attend a workshop focusing on bycatch issues in the southeastern United States including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The workshop is scheduled to take place at the Hilton St. Petersburg, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on November 8 and ending at 4:00 p.m. on November 10, 2005. The goal of the workshop is to provide a better understanding of bycatch issues, identify potential solutions that can reduce bycatch, and enhance ability to measure bycatch.

The first day of the three day workshop will consist of a series of presentations to provide an overview of regional bycatch issues and potential solutions. On the second day, attendees will divide into four working groups; science and research, data and monitoring, gear technology, and management, and will address specific questions concerning bycatch, with a moderated discussion led by panelists in the morning. In the afternoon, the attendees will be broken down into smaller working groups. The small work groups will participate in a facilitated discussion to seek solutions to bycatch issues that were identified in the morning. On the last day, all workshop attendees will reconvene for a working group panel report by the moderators.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: To receive the discounted rate of $93 per night, hotel reservations must be made prior to October 7, 2005. You may contact the hotel directly at 800-944-5500 or reserve your room online ( www.stpetehilton.com ). The address of the hotel is: Hilton St. Petersburg, 333 First Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. Guests must identify their affiliation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION: To register for the workshop or for more information, please contact Mark Godcharles, SERO Outreach Coordinator, at Mark.Godcharles@noaa.gov or 727-551-5727.

NMFS is dedicated to protecting and preserving the nation's living marine resources and their habitats through scientific research, management, and enforcement. NMFS provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources.

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