United States v. Beggerly, 118 U.S. 1862 (1998).

In Issue 18:1, we reported on Beggerly v. U.S., the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals case granting ownership of 729 acres of Horn Island to landowner Clark Beggerly. In July, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Fifth Circuit decision, restoring claim of these acres to the National Park Service. The Court ruled there was insufficient jurisdiction over the case and would not extend the 12-year statute of limitations under the Quiet Title Act, precluding the claim.
 

U.S. Appeal to World Trade Organization.

In Issue 18:2, we reported the World Trade Organiza-tion (WTO) decision that the U.S. had violated international law by banning imports of shrimp from nations not using turtle excluder devices on trawls. The United States appealed and in October, the WTO reversed its prior ruling and found that trade restraints imposed in the interest of protecting natural resources are permissible. But, it reaffirmed that the United States had applied its standard unfairly by failing to negotiate optional strategies.
 

From the Editor's Desk

In recognition of the close of the Year of the Ocean and what has been called the "last frontier," we've devoted two articles of this issue to studies of the deep sea. On page 16, you'll find an article about a teacher's experience on a NOAA research vessel from our Editor-at-Large, John Duff. And, on page 18, we review the account of a woman's journey to the bottom of the ocean. Hopefully, they will inspire your own such journey.

Also in this issue, you will find a Reader Survey on pages 11 and 12. As we strive to improve our services to you, your opinions are essential. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey as it will provide us with a better idea of your needs and ideas for Water Log.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish peace to you and your family this holiday season.

University of Mississippi