The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources will be hosting a booth at the Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial Conference, in booth spaces 131 & 132. In addition to outreach materials, the booth will serve as a location for informal talks and meetings with NOAA staff, as well as provide information on upcoming NOAA sessions and posters. Scientific research permit analysts with the Office of Protected Resources' Permits and Conservation Division will be at the booth during specific times to discuss MMPA and ESA permits and our online application system (APPS). We encourage all interested persons (potential applicants, permit holders, managers, etc.) to stop by the booth if you have questions about research permits for species managed by NOAA Fisheries. Permit Holders can also contact their permit analysts to arrange individual meetings during the week. Permit Analysts will be at the booth during the following times: Monday, Nov. 28th: 2:30-4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30th: 2:30-3:30 p.m. *Note: APPS specialists will be on hand this day. Thursday, Nov. 31st: 5:30-7:00 p.m. In celebration of the upcoming 40^th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 2012, we invite you to stop by our booth to record a short interview with our Outreach Specialist, Jonathan Shannon. The short interview will consist of up to 3 questions: 1. What do you view as one of the major successes of the Marine Mammal Protection Act? 2. What is an opportunity or challenge you see in the future of implementing the MMPA? 3. What is one thing you are doing in science, conservation, or education to benefit marine mammals? Other booth discussions and informal meetings times will be posted at the booth throughout the week. We look forward to seeing you at the NOAA Booth. Best Regards, Jonathan Shannon -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist * (301) 427-8431 * New phone number jonathan.shannon@noaa.gov