November 8, 2002


V ADM Conrad Lautenbacher Jr., US Navy Retired
Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230

Dear Admiral Lautenbacher:

     The Office of Advocacy commends the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) decision to ask Judge Kessler
for a delay in the implementation of the New England groundfish
fishing regulations.
     My office oversees government compliance with laws mandating
agency analysis of how regulations will impact small business.
The additional time will allow for a more thorough assessment of
the fish stock, which is imperative for determining the
appropriate course of action to protect the species and the
fishing industry.  We hope that the additional time will also
allow New England and federal officials to document how any new
rules will affect small business, which makes up 99% of the
fishing industry.
     If the Office Advocacy can assist you in this important
endeavor, please do not
hesitate to contact us at (202) 205-6533.
                    Sincerely,


                    Thomas M. Sullivan
                    Chief Counsel for Advocacy


                    Barbara Manning
                    Regional Advocate, Region I


                    Jennifer A. Smith
                    Assistant Chief Counsel for Economic
Regulation

Cc:       Michael L. Barrera, National Ombudsman, U.S. Small
Business Administration
     William Hogarth, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS