On December 22, 2011, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the availability of the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). That announcement noted that the official 45-day public comment period would begin on December 30, 2011, and close on February 13, 2012. Based on several requests to extend the comment period for the DEIS, NMFS is hereby providing notice that the public comment period on the DEIS has been extended by 15 days. The new end date for the public comment period is *Tuesday, February 28, 2012*. This email also provides updated information on the public meetings. A notice announcing the extension of the comment period and information on the DEIS public meetings will publish in the Federal Register on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. NMFS has also notified EPA about the extension of the comment period, and this will be announced by the EPA in the next available weekly notice of availability published by the EPA. The DEIS is available for download on the project website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm. Comments on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS will be accepted at public meetings and during the public comment period until February 28, 2012, and can be submitted using the methods listed here: - Email: arcticeis.comments@noaa.gov - Mail: Director, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 - Fax: (301) 713-0376 We request that you include your name and affiliation in your comments and background documents to support your comments as appropriate. *THE DEADLINE FOR PROVIDING COMMENTS IS FEBRUARY 28, 2012.* *Public Meetings:* Public meetings will be held from January 30 through February 9, 2012, in the communities of Barrow, Kaktovik, Kivalina, Kotzebue, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, and Wainwright. The exact dates, times, and locations for these eight meetings will be announced through local media. A public meeting will also be held in Anchorage, AK. This meeting will be held at the Loussac Public Library in the Wilda Marston Theater located at 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK on Monday, February 13, 2012, from 12-2 pm. Thank you for your interest and participation in the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS. -- Candace Nachman Fishery Biologist National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation Division 1315 East West Highway, Rm 3503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ph: (301) 427-8429 Fax: (301) 713-0376 Web: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/