Attendance:    Stephen Boyd, Leo Byrnes, Diane Murphy, Rob Garrison, Harlyn Halvorson, Rick Karney,
Deirdre Kimball, Alan Kuzirian, Dale Leavitt, Jack Pearce, Scott Soares,  Richard Taylor, Jonathan Wendland,
and Richard York

Greetings    Harlyn Halvorson and Diane C. Murphy welcomed the group and thanked the Mass Maritime Academy for hosting the meeting..  Diane Murphy outlined some of the recent activities of SEMAC.  This past weekend we held an upweller tour, which was well attended.  Many of the people who attended were growers.  We are still doing our bay scallop project with 250, 000 animals this year. Dale Leavitt said we are beginning to put together a DMP document for our Intertidal and Shallow subtidal shellfish aquaculture group.   We have had a couple of scoping meetings where we have elicited from stakeholder group’s issues, which need to be addressed.  We are working with these comments to flesh out a Best Management Practices Manuel for the shellfish industry.   We have an industry committee that is working with us and when they are finished it will be sent out for general comment.

Report on the UNH NE Consortium Conference  Richard Taylor reported that the consortium was created last year to respond to a federal initiative.  The first meeting of the Northeast Consortium Advisory Committee was held last month (Sept 19)  at Univ. NH Urban Forestry Center.   He reviewed the eleven funded Northeast consortium projects, which were funded for FY2000.

Maine
1.  Linda P. Mercer, Dan Shick, & Sally Sherman [Maine Dept. of Marine Resources], Douglas Grout [New Hampshire Fish and Game Dept.], Don Perkins [Gulf of Maine Aquarium], & Robert Tetrault [Portland, ME]  Project Title: Gulf of Maine Inshore Trawl Survey

2.  Donald Perkins, Jr. [Gulf of Maine Aquarium], Cameron McLellan [McFish, Inc.] and Phillip 0. Yund [Gulf of Maine Aquarium]  Project Title: Groundfishing Vessel Survey of Herring Spawning Grounds

New Hampshire
1.  David Goethel [Hampton, NH] and Hunt Howell [University of New Hampshire]  Project Title: Determining Groundfish Species Movement Patterns in Closed Areas

Massachusetts
1.  Clifford A. Goudey [MIT Sea Grant], Robert Kohl [Marstons Mills, MA] and Charles Saunders [Cundy's Harbor, ME]  Project Title: Commercial Trials of Flexible Trawling Devices Including Soft Trawl

2.  Michael Pol and Arnie Carr [Massachusetts Dept. Marine Fisheries] and Bob Mackinnon [Massachusetts Gillnetters Assoc.l  Project Title: Testing of Low-Profile Low Cod-Bycatch Gillnets

3.  Luis Ribas [Provincetown, MA] and Michael Pol [Massachusetts Dept Marine Fisheries]
Project Title: Groundfish Trawlnets designed to Reduce the Bycatch of Cod

4.  H. Arnold Carr and Michael Pol [Massachusetts Dept Marine Fisheries] and the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Assoc.  Project Title: Improving the Selectivity and Utility of Demersal Hook Fishing

5.  Proctor Wells [Phippsburg, ME], Frank Mirarchi [Scituate, MA], Russell Sherman [Gloucester, MA], and Christopher Glass [Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences]  Project Title: A collaborative program to reduce bycatch and discard in Gulf of Maine otter trawl fisheries: Effect of composite mesh codends on trawl selectivity

6. Bill Lee [Gloucester, MA] and Allan D. Michael [Magnolia, MA]
Project Title: Development of a Net to Reduce Bycatch of Cod in the Flounder Fishery

7.  Jim Manning [NMFS Northeast Science Center], Bonnie Spinazzola [Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen Assoc.], Pat White [Maine Lobstermen Assoc.], Bill Alder [Massachusetts Lobstermen Assoc.], and Marc Palumbo [Calico Lobster]  Project Title: Environmental Monitors on Lobster Traps (eMolt)

8.  Richard Taylor [Gloucester, MA] and Scott Gallager and Cabell Davis [Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]  Project Title: A New Role for the Commercial Fishing Fleet in Monitoring, Predicting  and Managing Sea Scallop Resources

The last one came out of this group.  Scott Gallager, Alan Kuzarian, Cabell Davis, Harlyn Halvorson and myself are trying to tie the fleet into monitoring for microscopic particles in the water, transferring this information by satellite back to land to make composite pictures so that a designated ship can go to areas of interest.   Unfortunately they still do not have the money to undertake these projects.  The scallop project is very time sensitive. We have been looking at spawning and have been collecting adult scallops for the past six months and dissecting these in Wood Hole to get the beginnings of a Gonadal/Somatic index.  We are collecting animals from different depths and different places.  Harlyn Halvorson informed the group that the proposal would use the SSWG as a body to
review the date as it is being received

NOAA Workshop on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Aquaculture in the US EEZ
Harlyn Halvorson briefly reviewed the background.   The United States was an active participant in the 1993-1995 consultations that led to the adoption by the FAO of the Code of conduct for responsible Fisheries.  In this Code there is a section on aquaculture.  Although the code of Conduct being developed for the U.S. EEZ does not have to follow the FAO model, the FAO Code is an important starting place.  NOAA has taken the initiative through NMFS to develop a code of conduct for the EEZ.  They are holding a number of workshops, one of which a number of us attended in Danvers on September 14th.  The workshop can be summarized as:
A Code of Practice ("soft law') may often suit best the purposes of regulating aquaculture practices, and may have an important role to play as a "regulatory instrument”: When deciding between soft and hard law, it is useful to consider the nature of the essential purposes of the rules which are to be applied .to the aquaculture activity, as well as to define clearly the needs to regulate and control the future "social conduct " of aquafarmers. In many cases it may be found that there is little need for such measures, but that there is a need to protect and promote aquaculture activities. Traditional forms of legal regulation which pursue rules enforced by communal and administrative penalties are generally not well suited to address all issues in aquaculture, in particular issues like product quality which require encouraging progressive involvement and adoption of appropriate measures rather than distinguishing between right and wrong (what's legal and illegal). For advance evaluation (i.e. pre-impact assessment) to have significant and practical meaning, there should be predetermined standards, i.e. acceptable limits of impacts. Present knowledge of many ecosystems and their genetic diversity is often very incomplete, especially in many developing countries and tropical regions. Setting standards for allowable genetic "effluent" is still very difficult, because of the scarcity of information on the effects of aquaculture/wild animal interaction, survival of aquaculture escapees, and their impact on ecosystems. These acceptable levels of impact will not only be necessary to make advance evaluation meaningful, but they may also serve as guidelines or benchmarks for the monitoring of the ensuing aquaculture development. The Precautionary Approach to Fisheries Management requires the establishment of such benchmarks, as well as contingency plans when acceptable levels are breached.

The major recommendations were:
1.  Responsible development of aquaculture, including culture-based fisheries, in areas under national jurisdiction.
Government authorities are responsible for existing and future aquaculture developments, and in many countries will continue to play a major role in promoting and regulating aquaculture development. In many countries, for example, exciting administrative and legal frameworks may need to be adjusted to address the specific characteristics and needs of the sector. Likewise, legal provisions and regulatory measures may need to be streamlined so as to clearly set forth the privileges and responsibilities of aquaculturists. Frequently, aquaculture is still under a general fisheries basic legislation, and is often not being recognized as the aquatic equivalent to agriculture. There is much scope for increasing awareness of both public institutions and the general public about aquaculture and its similarities with agriculture. This may be achieved through collaborative efforts by aquafarmers, authorities, media and non-governmental initiatives. This would contribute to the development, as appropriate, of laws and regulations which reflect awareness and recognition of aquaculture characteristics and needs.

2. States should produce and regularly update aquaculture development strategies and plans, as required, to ensure that aquaculture development is ecologically sustainable and to allow the rational use of resources shared by aquaculture and other activities.

3.  States shou1d ensure that the livelihoods of local communities, and their access to fishing grounds, are not negatively affected by aquaculture developments.

4.  States should establish effective procedures specific to aquaculture to undertake appropriate environmental assessment and monitoring with the aim of minimizing adverse ecological changes and related economic and social consequences resulting from water extraction, land use, discharge of effluents, use of drugs and chemicals, and other aquaculture activities.

5.  States should protect transboundary aquatic ecosystems by supporting responsible aquaculture practices within their national jurisdiction and by cooperation in the promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices.

6.  States should, with due respect to their neighboring, States, and in accordance with international law, ensure responsible choice of species. siting and management of aquaculture activities which could affect transboundary aquatic ecosystems.

7.  States should establish appropriate mechanisms, such as databases and information networks to collect, share and disseminate data related to their aquaculture activities to facilitate cooperation on planning for aquaculture development at the national, subregional, regional and global level.

8.  States should cooperate in the development of appropriate mechanisms, when required, to monitor the impacts of inputs used in aquaculture.

9.  States should conserve genetic diversity and maintain integrity of aquatic communities and ecosystems by appropriate management. In particular, efforts should be undertaken to minimize the harmful effects of introducing non-native species or genetically altered stocks used for aquaculture including culture-based fisheries into waters, especially where there is a significant potential for the spread of such non-native species or genetically altered stocks into waters under the jurlsdictlon of other States as well as waters under the Jurisdiction of the State of origin.

10.  States should cooperate in the elaboration, adoption and implementation of international codes of practice and procedures for introductions and transfers of aquatic organisms.

11.  States should, in order to minimize risks of disease transfer and other adverse effects on wild and cultured stocks, encourage adoption of appropriate practices in the genetic improvement of broodstocks, tbe introduction of non-native species, and in the production, sale and transport of eggs, larvae or fry, broodstock or other live materials.

12. States should promote effective farm and fish health management practices favoring hygienic measures and vaccines. Safe, effective and minimal use of therapeutants, hormones and drugs, antibiotics and other disease control chemicals should be ensured.

Because of limited markets and the high costs of testing and gaining approval of relevant authorities, few drugs have been tested and certified specifically for aquaculture use. The misapplication of some chemicals (e.g. the excessive prophylactic use of antibiotics) is often due to aquafarmers lacking access to information on appropriate use, or due to the lack of effective yet economic viable alternative management measures or suitable alternative chemicals which would help reduce the we of some potentially hazardous.
At present the promotion of certain chemicals by "middlemen" (salesmen, retailers, etc.) or pharmaceutical companies may also play a significant role in the misapplication of chemicals

The National Marine Fisheries Service has decided to hold three additional workshops to get stakeholder input to the development of a Code of Conduct for Responsible Aquaculture in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (federal waters).  The workshops will be held in Honolulu (November 14), Miami (November 16) and in Silver Spring, MD (November 20).
 

Richard Taylor expressed the view that this was on a fast tract and they needed to get something out by early next year. Deirdre Kimball agreed and urged that individual input be submitted as soon as possible. In reviewing the workshop, Richard Taylor said that there was extensive discussion of pathogens and some on genetically engineered organisms.  He went on to contrast a Code of Conduct for aquaculture in the EEZ while there is little Code for Conduct for fisheries in the same region which is many more times the size of operation.  There should be some consideration for the scope of the operation - some cut off point.  Jack Pearce noted that all these concerns were voiced at the ICES meetings he attended many years ago when aquaculture was just getting off the ground.  He urged the aquaculture industry to be more proactive (especially on the Internet) and respond to the negative comments emerging from the fisheries industry.

Northeast Consortium Sea Scallop Project
Scott Gallager introduced the Sea Scallop Project that emerged from the SSWG discussions.  The Northeast Consortium is a cooperative arrangement between commercial fishers and academics.  The concept from NOAA in a program administered by Univ. NH is to form these collaborative links between the commercial and academic sectors.  75% of the funding goes to the commercial sector and 25% to the academic center.  This is an effort to get all the groups to sit down at the same table and discuss what are the real problems and how one might go about addressing these problems.  This is an experimental concept.  Univ. NH has been awarded over $1 M and is struggling how to manage these.  For administrative reasons none of the money has been released.  He believes that this is the way of the future in funding fisheries science.  We need to have input from the commercial sector.  The SSWG can support the concept by taking part in the program.  Of the 10 projects funded 9 deal with the finfish fishery (prominent in people's mind) and one with sea scallops.  The next RFP comes up in mid November, which will fund twice the number of projects with 4 - 5 times the amount of support.    In reviewing the projects funded in the consortium, he stressed the importance of new technology.  In particular the attaching of inexpensive monitors (several hundreds of dollars each) to lobster traps (WHOI) will provide valuable information from thousands of sites off shore that could not be afforded by conventional means.  At the moment the lobstermen are bring the instrument back to shore to offload the data with infrared transmitters, but soon they will be sending it via satellite from their ships. The vessels involved get money for fuel, crew, salaries for the captain, maintenance of the vessel, and purchase of the instruments (5 or 6) for data collection.  This kind of data is essential to understand recruitment dynamics of Georgia's Bank and give us better predictive capabilities.

Scott Gallager described the activities of what he calls the "Sea Scallop Recruitment Group".  These included himself, Richard Taylor, John Quinlan, Paul Rago, Ron Smolowitz, Cabell Davis, Alan Kuzirian, Harlyn Halvorson, and others.   The overall project, only a portion of which was funded, is shown in Figure 1. It was decided that to improve offshore sea scallop aquaculture we need more information on recruitment.  We need better data on the juvenile /adult distributions.  Paul Rego, NOAA, is supplying as much information as they can from surveys and enforcement programs they have carried out.  There is very little data available on what the population structure looks like in these areas.  Richard Taylor brings a wealth of personal observations to bear.  With the closed areas we now have the ability to look on these as an experimental area and ask how that affects recruitment and how to utilize this opportunity.  We are collecting animals now for a Gonadal/Somatic index from a variety of areas including closed area one.  As other areas become available they will be sampled as well.  Richard Taylor noted that another route would be to get experimental fisheries permits but at the present time these are backed up and would require a long time to have them approved. The problem is staffing. Deirdre Kimball also commented that these programs, including closed areas, are new to the agency and there are no clear guidelines for handling them.  Everyone agrees that it is unmanageable and doesn't work.  We have to find new solutions. Scott Gallager added that Univ. NH also has its own documentation that it requires before releasing the money.  Many of the projects are for funds directly to the captains of fishing vessels.  The Univ. does not know how to deal with this.  An infrastructure has to be in place before the funds are released. Deirdre Kimball remarked that this has been a huge headache for the agency.  Federal, as well as state agencies are not set up to give out funds to individuals.  These agencies have to be concerned about the auditors.  In response to a query from Richard York that the USDA has had mechanisms for funding individuals, she replied that Congress is currently examining this and that NOAA would not want to get into the same problems as USDA.  Scott Soares remarked that the state of Mass. has a fee for service program to fund individuals. Deirdre Kimball added that since this funding was a set aside, the mechanisms for proceeding are further complicated.  We may want to talk to the auditors.  NMFS has a Grants Management council, which is grappling with the problems of set-asides.  This needs to be addressed at the NOAA level.  Harlyn Halvorson asked to whom should we write. Deirdre Kimball suggested writing to her agency, or to NOAA Grants Management. Susan Allison is our representative on the NMFS Grants Council and would be very helpful. Scott Gallager reported that they had discussed this situation several weeks ago with L.G. Hallsted, as Bakers Asst. in the Dept. Commerce, and he promised to look into this with his staff.  We have not as yet heard back from him.

Returning to Figure 1, Scott Gallager noted that the various studies contributed towards establishing models, which in tern would enhance scallop fishery through spat collection and improved management.  The idea with spat collection is to understand where and how the larvae are being concentrated in the water column.  Then putting out spat collectors for short periods of time (two weeks at most), and then these could be relocated into a protected area.  The experiments conducted to date are extremely promising.  To
obtain the data to locate the spat a Larval Identification and Hydrographic Data telemetry Package instrument (LIHDAT) will be used (Figure 2).  The instrument is designed to monitor the distribution of scallop larvae from surface waters.  It pumps water up through a hull intake on the ship.  It passes water through a number of flow cells, which measure salinity, temperature and fluorescence, and a number of other environmental characteristics.  It also takes pictures of all the phytoplankton in the flow stream. We have onboard computers that identify the plankton down to major taxa groups and to species in the case of sea scallops.  In the lower flow cell (Figure 2, heavier particles are examined with polarized light which identifies the crystalline structure characteristic of the shell of sea scallop larval shell.  This data is compressed into a small file.  The purpose of LIHDAT is to (1) collect and transmit data from commercial fishing vessels to shore, and (2) record the time, location, larval taxa, size, temperature, and salinity.  To cross validate the identification of scallop larvae using LIHDAT will be validated with DNA fingerprinting.  The next objective is to collect, transmit, and assimilate real-time data on larval distribution into numerical models by predicting larval aggregation and settlement and by providing fishers with larval distributional maps on the web.  We will also develop a data base on the Gonadal/Somatic Index for Georges Bank, Great South Channel, Nantucket Lightship, and Hudson Canyon areas to observe spawning location and time and to incorporate into spatially-explicit size-structured model for adult populations.  With this information, we will deploy and monitor spat collectors in regions of heavy larval aggregations and help commercial vessels locate dense larval populations using L1HDAT by deploying spat collectors and relocate after 2 3 weeks of growth to closed areas.  This data will also provide information for rotational closure management.

The prototype instrument is now being constructed.  The project has funds for two trips on a vessel to collect data.  The instrument will ultimately be autonomous.  If this is successful we will ask for funds to equip three vessels.  The data will ultimately be available to anyone from a designated web site.  He went on to discuss the effect of currents and storms which would affect the front of sea scallop spats in the Georges Bank circulatory pattern.  In the fronts he expects populations of at least 1 / ml.

Richard Taylor went on to add that funding from the scallop research TAC set-aside program has also been applied for to replace some of the budget cuts made by the NE Consortium.

Report on NOAA Development of a Policy Framework for Offshore Aquaculture in the EEZ
Harlyn Halvorson described a NOAA funded project “DEVELOPMENT OF A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR OFFSHORE MARINE AQUACULTURE in THE 3-200 MILE U.S. OCEAN ZONE” with Biliana Cicin-Sain, University of Delaware and Robert W. Knecht, University of Delaware as PI’s.  This project, which follows the Seasted Project and others, is nearing completion and will soon be available for comment.  The main conclusions from the report are:
 
1.    The creation of a new NOAA Office of Offshore Aquaculture is recommended to oversee and implement the leasing arrangements, the interagency permitting process, and the subsequent monitoring and eventual abandonment of offshore]
aquaculture facilities.

2. Develop legislation to provide an overall plan for the mapping, management, development, and  conservation of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.  In the interim, through executive action, provide explicit mandate to NOAA and USGS to develop assessments of EEZ areas suitable for various uses through mapping and analysis.

3. Review of offshore marine aquaculture projects should adhere to the environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy act.  A set of (specialized) standardized criteria (factors) related to the impact of offshore aquaculture operations on the natural and human environments should be taken into account in the environmental review process.

4. Leases (short-term or long-term) giving the aquaculturist exclusive rights to occupy the site and exclusive Offshore Aquaculture is recommended rights to the cultured species should be developed. Such leases should guided by a set of principles relevant to public trust responsibilities and should specify the scope, size, duration, and other terms of the lease. Some form of compensation to the public for the exclusive rights granted would be expected.

Marine GIS Technology Conference
Richard Taylor reported on the conference he and Chris Polloni, USGS, Woods Hole, organized, held 12-13 October 2000 at FISH EXPO in Providence, RI.  This meeting was intended to be a building block for groups who require information to make decisions about the use of the marine resources of our region.  The group was challenged how they could bring their technology to the fisheries industry.   The abstracts from this meeting are on the Sea Scallop Web Site.  He prepared a map to include all areas related to our offshore marine fisheries.  There are almost 40 layers incorporated to date with approximately 10 not yet added in. The project is still incomplete. From the aquaculture meeting last month it was predicted that there will be regulations for aquaculture which will have to be included.  When he is finished incorporating all this regulatory information, he will give a presentation to the SSWG.
 
Mass State Initiatives
Scott Soares: provided an update to the various Mass State initiatives.
Massachusetts Aquaculture Grant Program:
Work has begun on the Massachusetts Aquaculture Grant Program (AGRAQUA101)Request for Responses (RFR) for FY01.  Each year we mail a solicitation to all Massachusetts aquaculture permit holders requesting various data including a statement of need.  The information collected from the responses to the annual solicitation is recorded on an industry database and need information is used for the development of priority objectives of the Grant Program.  The FY01 priority areas have been identified according to the following
Constraints identified:
 limited state funding, marketing and low market value, lack of capital, seed costs, reliable seed production, predators/disease (oyster mortalities), limited space, water discharge regulations, risk to investment, dependable labor
Solutions proposed:
 Increased outreach/public education, collective marketing efforts, predator/fouling organism eradication, improve market, legislative support, public hatcheries run by industry, technology sharing, expand hatchery production, trapping, lower production costs (utilities/feed research)
Although the general intent of the grant program is aimed at projects that
- Result in the development and implementation of new technologies, products, processes or services
- Reduce aquaculture industry operating costs thereby increasing business profitability
- Increase the productivity of Massachusetts aquatic cultivation endeavors
- Preserve existing jobs and/or result in new employment opportunities for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Priority will be given to projects that specifically address the constraints or solutions identified through the survey instrument.

The FY01 Grant program should be posted by the end of October.
Legislatively earmarked projects
Currently negotiating a scope of services and budget for the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School for an aquaculture project.
Aquaculture Brochure:
Thanks in large part to Eurides Barros, a new brochure is available that provides details about the aquaculture program and related activities.  Copies have been placed in the brochure rack at the reception area and copies in VOLUME are available from Scott.
International Boston Seafood Show:
Planning has begun for the International Boston Seafood Show that will be held at the Hynes Convention center March 27-29, 2001.  This year will mark the fifth year of our participation with this important show.  As the largest annual seafood venue in North America and second largest in the world only to the Brussels Seafood Show, the IBSS provides a great opportunity for our industry members to display their products, foster new business contacts and learn the trends and status of the global industry.  Each year DFA provides space in our 200 sq ft booth for industry members to participate.  Aquaculture producers that have participated with us have indicated that DFA’s support of the MA industry’s participation with the event is among the most valuable services that we provide.

Jonathan Wendland introduced himself.  He works with the Protected Resource Division in NOAA in Gloucester. He is here to be proactive and by being involved, hopes to prevent some issues from arising.  With these many new projects coming up NMFS wants to be helpful to avoid problems in implementing these projects.  Please come to us for preliminary conversations before NMFS has to act in an official capacity. He will serve as the liaison for aquaculture and can be reached at Tel 978 281-9146.  Email  jonathan.wendland@noaa.gov

Announcements
The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in conjunction with the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration (NOAA) are sponsoring three (3) regional workshops on Aquaculture and Regional Technology Needs.  The goal of these workshops is to provide guidance to the aquaculture and other regional industries on the criteria to compete for ATP funding of research with high technical risk and broad economic benefits to the nation.  The workshops are also an opportunity for industry and other aquaculture proponents to explain to ATP representatives the current technological impediments to meaningful economic growth in aquaculture in the  U.S.

Each workshop will provide attendees with guidelines on preparing an ATP proposal and address how various companies can participate in ATP through collaboration with others in industry and academia.  A key element of discussion will be how new and high-risk technologies can help the regional industries, as well as aquaculture to improve competitiveness.  ATP is open to all types of technologies and industries.  Finding industrial or academic partners to overcome technical challenges is often a key to applying for ATP funding.  These meetings will provide local networking opportunities to benefit the technology needs of each region. The workshop for the Northeast U.S. is being held November 10, 2000 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, hosted by the MIT Sea Grant College Program.  These workshops are open to the public. On Thursday, 9 November, we plan to schedule opportunities for ATP representatives to meet with regional aquaculture operators.  Given the constraints of time and geography we will need to bring part of the show to ATP rather than scheduling far-flung field trips.   Please let me know if you have suggestions for topics needed to provide ATP a flavor of the current industry in the northeast and its technological hurdles.  Friday, 10 November, is the actual meeting date and it is open to all interested parties.   The first topic will cover the state of regional technology and future technological needs.  Then there will be an overview of the NIST Advanced Technology Program followed by two or three presentations by industry and open discussion.  The morning will end with an explanation of the ATP proposal process and the technical and business evaluation criteria.  The afternoon will include breakout group discussions aimed at clarifying a regional focus and identifying partners, including venture capital firms, needed to demonstrate post-ATP financing interest.  Focused discussions between ATP and partnering groups will also be facilitated.  For more information on these ATP workshops contact: Dr. Richard (Dick) Palmer Advanced Technology Program National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4730 Gaithersburg, MD 20899. Tel: 301-975-2160;
Fax: 301-548-1087; E-mail: richard.palmer@nist.gov

The Science and Management of Dock and Pier Construction workshop will be held on November 13, 2000, at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to discuss approaches to small dock and pier management.  The workshop is co-sponsored by Mass. Coastal Zone Mgmt. (MCZM), WHOI Sea Grant, and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.  The purpose of the workshop is to provide the latest scientific and management tools relating to the proliferation of small docks and piers in our waterways. This workshop will focus on docks and piers and will include sessions on:  Ecological Impacts of Dock Construction, Best Management Practices for the Construction of Docks and Piers, and Regulatory and Non-regulatory Tools for Controlling the Siting and Construction of Docks and Piers (both regionally and in Massachusetts).  The workshop is free and coffee, pastries, and lunch will be provided. For a complete agenda and registration information (required), contact Michelle Vaillancourt, MCZM, at (617) 626-1218.

The SEMCO (Southeastern Massachusetts Coastal Outreach) mailing list provides an electronic means of enhancing the communication of coastal outreach organizations in southeastern Massachusetts. Questions, concerns, or general comments about this list serve should be directed to WHOI Sea Grant at seagrant@whoi.edu or (508) 289-2398. To send correspondence to the mailing list, send e-mail to SEMCO@whoi.edu.

Next Meeting  The next meeting is tentatively set for Thursday December 14th.

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Dr. Harlyn Halvorson
Director PCTMB
(508)-540-5441 (FAX)
(508)-540-1030