CONTACT:  Matt Stout                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                             4/28/97

Based on discussions with constituents who have urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase its attention to critical ocean concerns, NOAA's Coastal Stewardship Task Force submitted a report to the agency's Administrator recommending that NOAA improve its national leadership and facilitate coastal stewardship.

"I will begin implementing changes based on input from both the Coastal Stewardship Task Force and our external partners," said NOAA Administrator D. James Baker. "These changes will allow us to build on NOAA's strengths and increase our attention to critical ocean concerns.

As a first step, Baker will reassign the following personnel.

Dr. Stan Wilson, assistant administrator for ocean and coastal zone management, will take on a new assignment to serve as senior advisor on ocean issues and as NOAA deputy chief scientist. Specifically, he will lead NOAA's participation in organizing and implementing its objectives in support of the United Nations' 1998 Year of the Ocean. Wilson will continue to serve as the U.S. delegate to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.

Dr. Nancy Foster, deputy assistant administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), will assume the assistant administrator responsibilities for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management. Foster's charge is to direct and implement the operational, structural and cultural organization changes necessary to strengthen NOAA's ocean and coastal programs.

Dr. David Evans, acting deputy assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service, will assume the responsibilities of deputy assistant administrator for NMFS. Dr. Evans' scientific credentials and management expertise provide an excellent foundation to contribute to important fisheries management issues and linkages to broader coastal responsibilities.