# Marine Mammals; File No. 1048-1717
**AGENCY:**
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
**ACTION:**
Notice of public meeting.
**SUMMARY:**
NMFS will hold a public meeting regarding the scientific research proposed by Dr. Peter J. Stein, Scientific Solutions, Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, in an application for a scientific research permit and analyzed in a draft environmental assessment.
**DATES:**
The meeting will be held on November 20, 2003 at 1 pm.
**ADDRESSES:**
The meeting will be held at the NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center Complex, Room 1W611, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Dr. Tammy Adams or Steve Leathery, (301)713-2289.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
On November 5, 2003, notice was published in the *Federal Register* (68 FR 62563) that a request for a scientific research permit had been submitted by Dr. Stein to conduct studies to validate and improve the ability of short-range high-frequency whale-finder sonar systems to detect marine mammals without adversely affecting them. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to examine whether significant environmental impacts could result from issuance of the proposed scientific research permit. Comments on the application and/or the draft EA must be received by December 5, 2003. NMFS will hold a public meeting to inform interested parties of the proposed research and solicit comments on the application and accompanying draft EA. Please be advised that a valid government-issued photo-identification will be required for entry through building security.
**Special Accommodations**
This meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Tyrone Stuckey or Dee Jenkins, 301-713-2289 (voice) or 301-713-0376 (fax), at least five business days before the scheduled meeting date.
Dated: November 10, 2003.
Stephen L. Leathery,
Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.