Note:  Please park on the street at the Fish and Game 
offices for Friday's meeting.   Thanks!

RESEARCH ACTIVITY PANEL
A WORKING GROUP OF THE 
MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
299 Foam St
Monterey, California  93940 
					Phone          (831) 647-4257
					  Fax          (831) 647-4250
				  Internet       mbnms@igc.apc.org

RAP Meeting Agenda
Conference Room
Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, 20 Lower Ragsdale 
RD., Monterey, CA

Friday, June 23, 1995, 0900 to 1200 hrs


NOTE:  THIS AGENDA WAS DEVELOPED WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE 
RAP CHAIR, AND HE MAY CONDUCT THE MEETING DIFFERENTLY 
THEN THE AGENDA DESCRIBES.


	ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Introduction of Members and Participants

	a) Members Not Able to Attend:
	b) Meeting Member Substitutions:
	c) Guest Attendees:
List:  
	Greg Cailliet, MLML - RAP Chairman
	Laura Ehret, Naval Postgraduate School
	Steve Eittreim, USGS
	Chris Harrold, Monterey Bay Aquarium 
	Jim Harvey, Moss Landing Marine Labs
	Terry Jackson, Manager, Monterey Bay NMS
	Deborah Johnston, CA DFG/ Monterey
	Ken Parker, OAB
	Patricia Port, Department of the Interior 
	Don Potts, UCSC
	Gary Sharp, CIRIOS
	Rick Starr, Univ. of CA, Sea Grant Advisory Program
	Mark Stephenson, CDFG/Mar. Pollution Studies Lab
	George Boehlert, NOAA/NMFS/PFEG
	Andrew DeVogelaere, ESNERR and Foundation
	Dennis Powers, Hopkins Marine Station
	Bruce Robison, MBARI 
	Jan Roletto, GFNMS/CBNMS
	Jim Rote, CSUMB
	Les Strnad, CA Coastal Commission 
	Karen Worcester, Morro Bay Foundation

Approval of May 19, 1995, Meeting Minutes (Cailliet)

*Cambria Desalination Plant (Cotter)

Report on the June 2, 1995, SAC Retreat (Cailliet)

Introduction of Geof Wheat - Regional NURP 
Representative

Research Coordinator Status (King)

MBNMS/GFNMS/CBNMS Marine Researchers Guide (King)

Permit Report (King)

Electronic Communications Update (King)

Institutional Permit Status (King)

Next Monterey Bay Research Symposium (Parker/Starr)

Vessel Traffic Safety Report (King)

NOAA's Coastal Forecast System (Rote)

RAP/MBNMS Review of Research Proposals
	In Review/Reviewed: USGS San Andreas Geodynamics
	New Requests: None

Sound and the MBNMS - Letter (Wickum/Starr)

ATOC Update (King)

	BREAK

	DISCUSSION ITEMS

*Fort Ord Update (Cotter/Eittreim)

*Coordinating Regional Water Quality Monitoring (Price) 
- 15 mins.

NOAA R/V McArthur (King)
	- Future NOAA Ship Research Projects (Cailliet)

Additional MBNMS Marine Mammal Research Funds (King)

	OTHER ITEMS

Other Old Business - Open
New Business - Open
Items for future meetings - Monterey Academy of 
Oceanography, ????

	ADJOURN



*  Request made by Cotter and Price to present these 
early in the morning so they can go to another meeting.

** Dr. Lashkari has been invited to speak to the RAP at 
the July meeting on a Sanctuary acoustic study he is 
working on.


RESEARCH ACTIVITY PANEL
A Working Group of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory 
Council
299 Foam Street
Monterey, CA  93940
			
			Phone:	(831) 647-4257
			Fax:		(831) 647-4250
			Internet	mbnms@igc.apc.org

Research Activity Panel Draft Meeting Minutes
California Department of Fish and Game
Friday, June 23, 1995
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Meeting arrangements made by:
Aaron King, Monterey Bay NMS - RAP Executive Coordinator

Members in attendance were:

Greg Cailliet, RAP Chair, Moss Landing Marine Labs
Laura Ehret, Naval Postgraduate School
Jim Harvey, Moss Landing Marine Labs
Ken Parker, NOAA Ocean Applications Branch
Rick Starr, University of California, Sea Grant
Andrew DeVogelaere, ESNERR and Foundation
Jim Rote, California State University Monterey Bay/NOAA
Deborah Johnston, CA DFG/Monterey
Mark Stephensen, CA DFG/Monterey
Jan Roletto, GFNMS
Gary Sharp, CIRIOS
Steve Eittreim, USGS
Don Potts, UCSC

Special Guests in attendance included:
Aaron King, MBNMS
Jack Wickham, Conservation Working Group 
John Brookes, "Westlands" Company
Patrick Cotter, MBNMS/CCC
Holly Price, MBNMS
Geoff Wheat, NURP
Thomas J. Neal, PSRF
Rachel Saunders, CMC

Research Activity Panel members not in attendance:
Chris Harrold, Monterey Bay Aquarium
George Boehlert, NOAA/NMFS/PFEG
Dennis Powers, Hopkins Marine Station
Terry Jackson, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Patricia Port, Department of the Interior
Karen Worcester, Morro Bay Foundation
Bruce Robinson, MBARI
Les Strnad, CA Coastal Commission

I.	CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9:12 a.m.

II.	APPROVAL OF MAY 19, 1995 MEETING MINUTES (Cailliet)

The minutes were approved as amended.

III.	QUICK DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.	Introduction of Geoff Wheat - Regional NURP Representative (Cailliet)--Geoff 
Wheat will have an office at MBARI, Moss Landing, and will be responsible for informing 
researchers in the coastal states about funds available from the NURP program.  The 
1996 guidelines are available.  If you are interested in receiving a copy of them, or are 
not currently on the mailing list, please contact Geoff at 633-7033 or 
wheat@mbari.org.

Proposals are due by September 1, 1995 for any kind of undersea 
research.  Proposals will go through peer review and candidates should be notified by 
early December if their proposal was accepted.  Geoff was asked to provide feedback on 
whether or not RAP endorsement of projects makes a difference in the selection process.

With respect to the future of the NURP program given the threatened budget cuts by 
Congress, Geoff indicated that if NURP were not to survive, there is money already 
allotted for three projects in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.  As RAP 
support will be helpful in obtaining the revenues, Geoff will keep the working group 
informed about status and deadlines.

RAP members also requested that Geoff provide an updated list of NURP equipment 
inventory that may be available for use by scientists.  Geoff will bring the list to the 
next meeting.

Discussion concerning the acceptance of a NURP representative as a RAP 
member ensued following a suggestion by the Chair.  The issue will be 
placed on the July meeting agenda.

B.	Cambria Desalination Plant (Cotter)-- Pat Cotter, a water quality specialist for 
the MBNMS and the CA Coastal Commission, opened discussion on the proposed 
desalination plant in Cambria.  Cotter expressed concern that the desalination plant was 
the first proposed discharger into the Sanctuary since its designation in 1992, and that 
the plant could set a precedent for future projects.  Moreover, there were some 
discrepancies concerning the Final Environmental Impact Statement and questions about 
whether proper procedures were applied.  The RAP appointed a Committee composed of 
Jim Rote -- who will act as Chair-- Debra Johnston, and Laura Ehret to help Pat Cotter 
investigate the project.  RAP members also suggested that the following individuals be 
invited to participate on the Committee:

Mike Foster (Jim Harvey volunteered to call him);
NMFS Tiburon Lab (ask Alan McCall, Director of the Lab, who would be best); 
Chris Harrold;
Dick Zimmerman;
a PFEG representative; and,
a representative from Hopkins Marine Station

Jim Rote will be responsible for calling the suggested individuals.  The committee 
will report to the RAP at the July meeting and will be requested toprovide input 
to the CCC by end of July/early August.

C.	Fort Ord Update  (Cotter/Eittreim)-- The Army has responded positively to 
proposals from the Sanctuary and is interested in performing side-scan swathing and 
other research in the marine environment off of the former military base.  Financial 
specifics are still being decided.  Thanks to the RAP for all of their support and help 
achieving the Army support.

D.	Coordinating Regional Water Quality Monitoring (Price)-- Holly Price, 
Director of the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP), presented an update on the 
program.  

The WQPP has defined ten strategies that the program is moving ahead with.  Holly 
described one of the strategies --Coordinating Regional Efforts -- in greater detail as it 
coincides with the RAP charter and goals.

She also mentioned that the WQPP would be working with the EPA which had previously 
allotted $40,000 for water quality.  The funds will used as part of the coordinated 
strategies.  A consulting firm, Tetra Tech, has been hired by the EPA to manage the 
revenues.  RAP members are encouraged to provide suggestions on how the $40,000 
should be used.  Contact Holly Price at 647-4247 with your comments.  

After some consideration of whether or not to invite Tetra Tech  to the July meeting, RAP 
members chose instead to request another update from the WQPP in August or Sept.

Steve Eittreim volunteered to help bring USGS on-line in the coordination effort using 
some of the work that has already been accomplished.

Andrew DeVogelaere announced that, beginning Saturday, June 24, the Elkhorn Slough 
NERR will implement a national water quality monitoring program. The data will be 
available via the internet system. 

RAP members were invited to make suggestions and comments on the strategies and the 
WQPP materials provided at the meeting.  Documents provided were:  Initial Assessment 
of Existing Water Quality Monitoring Efforts in the Monterey Bay Region, May 1995; 
and Coordinated Regional Monitoring.  Please provide your comments to Holly at 647-
4247.

RAP members suggested that graduate students from the marine science programs in the 
area be utilized for the WQPP. 

E.	Report on the June 2 Sanctuary Advisory Council Retreat (Cailliet)-- Greg 
reported that the Retreat was a productive meeting in that it brought everyone up to the 
same level of understanding and helped to focus activity pro-actively rather than 
reactively.  Highlights of the session included: 1) a description of the MBNMS local 
structure and mandate (RAP members requested a copy of the MBNMS structure and flow 
chart); 2) an explanation of the levels of authority and decision making within the NOAA 
as it relates to the MBNMS; 3) a discussion of major goals and objectives of the 
Sanctuary program; and, 4) the beginning of written Sanctuary Advisory Council 
protocols for action.  The group decided to meet again for a half-day session to formalize 
the protocols and discuss further the roles of the working groups.

The Council's Strategic Panning Committee, of which Greg is a member, will meet in 
mid-July to complete an action plan.   Greg will forward information to the RAP as it 
becomes available.

F.	Research Coordinator Status (King) -- Aaron King described the selection 
process and its current status.  It is hoped that an individual will be in place by August. 

Following discussion, RAP members decided to request that Jan Roletto be added as a 
member, or at least an advisor, to the selection evaluation board. 

G.	Marine Researchers Guide (King) -- Lisa Utall from Save Our Shores has been 
updating the database and will put the information on the website at the Sanctuary office.

The Sanctuary doesn't have an internet address at this time, but the webpage is 
accessible at: http://montereybay.nos.noaa.gov.

Information has yet to be submitted by Hopkins Marine Station, UCSC, Dept. of Interior, 
GFNMS/CBNMS, Morro Bay Foundation, California State University - Monterey Bay, and 
NURP.  Please send the requested data as quickly as possible to Aaron King. 

H.	Electronic Communications Update  (King)-- the Sanctuary will inform RAP 
members when its e-mail capabilities are operative. 

I.	Permit Report (King)-- RAP members were presented with a summary of the 
Permit Report.  Contact Scott Kathey for more information. 

J.	Institutional Permit Status (King)-- nothing new to report.  Greg will bring the 
issue up at the next Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting and request follow-up action. 

K.	Research Symposium (Parker/Starr)- the date for the Symposium has been 
confirmed for March 8-9, 1996 at a place to determined.  As the originally proposed 
"Ricketts" speaker, Roy Gordon, declined the invitation, planners are welcoming 
suggestions for a speaker.  RAP members should forward their nominations to Rick Starr 
and Ken Parker by June 30.

The agenda continues to develop and a tentative schedule exists as drafted by AMBAG. 

Discussion stressed the original research focus of this event and considered the new 
emphasis of the symposium as a collaborative effort of the three working groups -- 
research, education, and conservation.  The first symposium will still be a single event 
and will focus on research.

The Conservation and Education working groups had two recommendations: 1) the 
keynote speaker should be someone who will draw a broad audience; and 2) to avoid 
compartmentalizing people at the conference in the different workshops.   

L.	Vessel Traffic Safety Report -- the document is not yet ready for public release, 
but is reportedly working its way up through the Department of Commerce and 
Transportation for signatures. 

M.	NOAA's Coastal Forecast System -- an Executive summary of the proposal was 
provided at the meeting.  RAP members who would like to learn more about it are 
encouraged to contact Jim Rote or Aaron King.  The Chair requested that Laura Ehret be 
responsible for following the proposal and informing the RAP and the sanctuary office  
about potential funds that may be available through Scripps.

An RFP can be expected in the near future. 

N.	RAP/ MBNMS Review of Research Proposals :

´	In Review/Reviewed: USGS San Andreas Geodynamics -- nothing new to report on 
this since the last meeting;

´	New Requests -- nothing new;

O.	Sound in the Sanctuary -- Rachel Saunders, Chair of the Conservation Working 
Group, presented a revised draft memorandum addressed to the SAC requesting that 
efforts be made to better understand the effects of sound in the sanctuary.  The letter has 
already been endorsed by the Conservation Working Group and the Sanctuary  Education 
Panel.  

Following a brief discussion, RAP members approved the memo as amended. 

P.	ATOC Update (King)-- The California Coastal Commission approved the project.  
There will be a meeting on Tuesday, June 27 to discuss the status of necessary permits.  
RAP members suggested that the permitting agencies provide letters to funding agencies 
stating that a permit will be issued but can't be done by 27 June deadline so that ATOC 
doesn't lose its funding.  

FYI: 
´	There will be a Fisheries representative on the ATOC panel; 
´	Francesca Cava, former Sanctuaries and Reserves Division Chief, is now an alternate 
California Coastal Commissioner.  We look forward to working with her in this 
capacity on Sanctuary related matters;

Q.	NOAA McArthur Cruise Report (King)-- Aaron is working to complete the cruise 
report and he would like to have it ready for the July RAP meeting.  Included in the 
report will be some evaluation of the projects and an estimated value of the research.  
RAP members who have not yet turned in their reports are asked to do so as quickly as 
possible.  Panel members are also encouraged to write to NOAA in support of future 
cruises.

With respect to the McArthur cruise, the RAP discussed the need to institute a process 
for securing ship time next year.  There were 26 ship days used in 1995, and, depending 
on projects, more or less time could be requested for 1996.  Rick Starr suggested that 
scientists assume there will be adequate ship time and prepare proposals in advance so 
that when time is awarded, the research community will be properly prepared.  Contact 
Aaron King at 647-4257 with additional comments for streamlining the process.

R.	Additional MBNMS Marine Mammal Research Funds (King)-- funds have been 
allotted for Marine Mammal Research in the MBNMS.  A Broad Agency Announcement 
describing the specifics is attached.  RAP members are encouraged to help review 
submitted proposals and provide recommendations for funding.  Researchers responding 
to the announcement should be required to verbally present their results if funding is 
granted.  Multi-institutional projects are desirable and scientists are encouraged to 
include university students.   An update on the funds will be included in the July agenda. 

IV.	OLD BUSINESS 

´	RAP members requested that the MBNMS research budget recommendation process 
include an evaluation process for next year.  Scientists receiving funds from the RAP 
should be required to give a presentation to the RAP describing the progress and 
results of their work.  

V.	NEW BUSINESS

´	On September 13, 1995 the GFNMS/CBNMS will host the Third Biennial Workshop 
on Current Research in the Gulf of the Farallones.  The event is open to all 
researchers working on projects taking place within and around the GFNMS/CBNMS 
and surrounding areas.  Contact Jan Roletto at (415)556-2587 for more 
information.  The workshop is hosted once every other year and is open to a wide 
variety of science;

´	The 1996 NERR RFP is available and will focus on habitat restoration.  Only one year 
proposals will be accepted and grants typically run $40 - 50,000.  Contact Andrew 
DeVogelaere at: devog@mlml.calstate.edu or 728-2822;

´	A SeaTechnology  article by Gary Griggs did a good job pin-pointing the many 
institutions studying marine science in the Monterey area.  

The next meeting of the Research Activity Panel is on Friday, July 21 at 
the Elkhorn Slough Reserve from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Meeting adjourned at 12: 20 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,


Jane M. DeLay
SAC Coordinator

enc:	Broad Agency Announcement - Marine Mammal Studies in the Central California 
	National Marine Sanctuaries