Doug Mecum, acting administrator for NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, said July 19 that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council had requested more time for scientists on the council's science and statistical committee to review the plan.

The plan, which is required under the federal Endangered Species Act, includes a comprehensive review of Steller sea lion status and ecology, a review of previous Steller sea lion conservation actions, an assessment of threats to the Steller sea lions, and other details.

"Given the importance of this document and the complexity of the recovery actions, we agreed to the extension," Mecum said. "The more thoughtful comments we receive on our draft plan and more public participation, the better."

The federal Steller sea lion recovery plan highlights three actions considered especially important to the recovery program. They include maintaining current fishery conservation measures or their equivalent protection, design and implementation of an adaptive management program to evaluate fishery conservation measures, and continuing population monitoring and research on key threats potentially impeding sea lion recovery.

The draft plan was designed by a 17-member team representing fishery and marine mammal scientists, the fishing industry, Alaska Natives, and environmental organizations, and was reviewed by five independent scientists and managers.

Comments on the draft revised plan should be sent to Kaja Brix, assistant regional administrator, Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region, NOAA Fisheries Service, Attn: Ellen Walsh.

Comments may be submitted via e-mail to SSLRP@noaa.gov, with the subject line identifier Sea Lion Recovery Plan. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to Brix at P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, or faxed to (907) 586-7012.

Copies of the plan may be requested from the above address or on-line from NMFS Alaska Region at www.fakr.noaa.gov.