CONTACT: Gordon Helm               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                   1/10/97

RENEW YOUR ATLANTIC TUNAS PERMIT BY PHONE OR USE "THE WEB"

Responding to fishermen's requests, a new automated Atlantic tunas permitting system developed for the National Marine Fisheries Service is expected to improve service and speed the delivery of annual tuna permits to fishermen, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.

The new system is designed to provide permit holders with a quick, easy way to renew their permits on an annual basis, while also improving the collection of fishing data, providing more current and timely permit and catch information, and reducing the regulatory work load for both fishermen and fisheries service managers.

"This new permitting system will benefit everyone who deals with Atlantic tunas," says Rolland Schmitten, NOAA's fisheries service director. "More timely information and better permit records will mean better fishery management and a more equitable fishing opportunity for everyone."

The permitting system can be accessed by either a touch-tone telephone (888-USA-TUNA) or through the Internet (HTTP://WWW.USATUNA.COM.). Using the telephone, current permit holders can renew their permits or change permit categories, learn the current status of the tuna fisheries, get current catch-to-date and quota information, obtain information on tuna biology or management, and leave their comments. Similar information also is available on the Internet, and step-by-step instructions for permit holders are provided. Fishermen without access to either a touch-tone phone or the Internet can call the same telephone number, leave their name, telephone number and address, and the fisheries service will assist them in renewing their permit.

Developed by Portland, Ore.-based NEXTLINK Interactive Inc., the telephone/Interlink permitting system is one of the first of its kind in the nation to take advantage of new or improved technology to speed service to customers while reducing work load.

Valid annual Atlantic tunas permits are now required on board all vessels while tuna fishing. Fishermen holding current valid permits can fish until the permit expires, but no later than March 31, 1997, before obtaining a 1997 permit. Holders of permits that expired in December 1996 will have until Feb. 1, 1997, to obtain and display a valid 1997 permit. Cost of the annual permit is $18.00.

A copy of the letter outlining the permitting process to permit holders is available by fax by contacting the Public Affairs Office at (301) 713-2370.

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