U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/OFA/AGFS/AMD -- OFA51, 1305 East West Highway -- Station 7604, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

F -- HABITAT RESTORATION ANALYSIS POC Robert M. McNamara, (301) 713-3038 ext. 181 The NOAA Damage Assessment Center (DAC) is interested in obtaining information from potential sources who may be able to assist DAC in identifyiing restoration actions approriate to replace fishery biomass losses as part of a natural resource damage assessment in Florida. The restoration of estuarine habitat and reef creation (oyster and/or artificial) have been identified as potential alternatives for restoring the fishery biomass losses. DAC may be seeking an expert to collect and analyze additional data on the relative productivity of each alternative and to assist in determining the restoration project or project mix which will meet the restoration objective. To assist in this determination, the secondary productivity (biomass produced per area per time period) of the identified alternatives must be estimated. To produce the most scientifically valid productivity estimate possible, one or more qualified scientific experts may be needed to determine the final productivity figures to be used in the restoration determination and scaling phases of the assessment. The purpose of this announcement is to identify potential sources to assist the relevant agencies in making this determination should the need arise. At a minimum, each interested party should have recognized expertise in fisheries biology, restoration ecology, or a related field, including peer-reviewed publications on the topic of secondary productivity of created reefs; be able to clarify and objectively present complex technical concepts and analyses to a non-expert audience; have familiarity with the ecology of Florida; and be willing to testify on behalf of the Government in deposition and/or a court of law or related judicial proceeding, if necessary. Ideal candidates also will have a general knowledge of the natural resource damage assessment process and have experience in prior litigation proceedings, preferably qualification in court as an expert on this or a related topic. Interested persons should submit a brief statement of capabilities (no more than two pages) specifically summarizing their qualifications and experience relevant to the criteria stated above, a current curriculum vitae and current rate information to: Robert M. McNamara, NOAA Damage Assessment Center, N/ORR3, SSMC 4, Rm 10218, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Sprinig, MD 20910. This information should be sent within 30 calendar days of the date of this annouuncement. Posted 09/13/99 (W-SN379647). (0256)

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