The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has extended the public comment period for the proposed National Saltwater Angler Registry rule until August 21, 2008.

The proposed rule, required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), would establish the National Saltwater Angler Registry, providing NOAA with catch data from saltwater anglers who fish in federal waters, aiding in sustainable management of marine fish stocks.

The registry will enable the federal government to identify more accurately who is fishing and what is being caught. Data generated by the registry will ultimately provide NOAA with the information it needs to better allocate marine fisheries resources to recreational saltwater anglers. A final rule based on all comments received is expected in November 2008, with the requirement going into effect Jan. 1, 2009.

You can visit to the NOAA website and enter your comments- pro or con - online through August 21 at: www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/ component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=0900006480620f04.

If you'd rather submit comments in hard copy, you can submit via fax to (301) 713-1875, Attn: Gordon Colvin, or via US Postal Service to: John Boreman, Director, Office of Science and Technology, NMFS, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attn: Gordon Colvin.

A reminder, All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without change.