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IT-95 and Marine Ecological Database Systems (MEDS) . These 

 national computer information systems will be located at nine 

 major sites and collect fisheries-related data. They will 

 include up-to-date stock information, combine new computer 

 hardware and software, and provide on-line public access. 



Second, NOAA intends to improve and advance its fishery 

 predictions. These predictions are necessary to ensure the 

 scientific basis to rebuild fisheries is available. To solve 

 this problem, NOAA has embarked on a program to utilize state-of- 

 the-art advanced sampling technologies, including hydroacoustics, 

 laser technology, and optical sensors. 



Third, NOAA will work with Fishery Management Councils to adopt 

 policies to manage economic growth better and promote a healthy 

 fishing industry. In fact, at this stage, most councils are 

 setting the pace and it is our responsibility to follow their 

 lead by implementing Fishery Management Plans which allow 

 economic forces to determine who has access to fisheries. The 

 industry, as we know, is not healthy as a result of overfishing, 

 resource depletion, and overcapitalization. As the Plan says, 

 "NOAA has no preconceived notion on how to assist the fishing 

 industry during the transition" to a market-based fishery. 

 Working directly with this Committee, we hope to develop a 

 variety of tools to assist the industry. These tools include, 

 among others, assuring safe, high-quality seafood; Saltonstall- 



