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<TITLE>NOAA Town Hall on Sept. 15 in Providence, RI re: possible protections off the New England coast</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Please see below for information on a Town Hall meeting next week in Providence:<BR>
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Join us for a NOAA Town Hall on September 15 in Providence, Rhode Island<BR>
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Meeting to discuss deep sea canyons and seamounts<BR>
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September 3, 2015<BR>
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NOAA invites you to participate in a Town Hall meeting to discuss possible permanent protections for three deep sea canyons-Oceanographer, Gilbert, and Lydonia Canyons-and four seamounts off of New England's coast. Deep sea canyons, which plunge to depths greater than 7000 feet, and sea mounts, which rise thousands of feet above the sea floor, create unique habitats supporting tremendous biodiversity and fragile ecosystems that are home to corals, fish, marine mammals, turtles, and more.<BR>
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To ensure that we protect these unique places for future generations while recognizing the importance of sustainable ocean-based economies, we are seeking input from all interested parties in the region.<BR>
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The Town Hall discussion will be held on September 15, at the Providence Marriott Downtown, 1 Orms Street, Providence, Rhode Island. The meeting will be in the Sessions/College/Canal Room from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.<BR>
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If you are unable to attend the Town Hall in person, please send comments by September 15, 2015 to atlanticconservation@noaa.gov.<BR>
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Please feel free to forward this invite to anyone who might also be interested in participating. We look forward to hearing from you.<BR>
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