The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of New York regard the involvement of communities and the development of a stewardship ethic as vitally important to successfully protect sanctuary resources. One key way to achieve this involvement is the formation of sanctuary advisory councils.
A sanctuary advisory council is a community-based advisory group consisting of representatives from various user groups, government agencies and the public at large. The role of the council is to provide advice to the sanctuary superintendent on the designation and/or operation of a national marine sanctuary.
More information about National Marine Sanctuaries Advisory Councils
The Lake Ontario Advisory Council's 15 voting members and 15 alternates represent a variety of interests, from recreation and tourism to education and research. The membership is designed to balance points of view represented, geographic diversity, and advisory functions the council will perform. Council meetings are open to the public and provide a place where community interests, support, and concerns are heard.
Additionally, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries welcomes the participation of interested Indigenous Nations and Tribes on the council. This can be initiated by contacting the sanctuary superintendent. Participation on the council does not take the place of government-to-government consultation nor does it serve as the only opportunity for engagement between NOAA and Native American Nations and Tribes.
For more information about the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, please refer to the charter.
If you have questions about Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary's Advisory Council, please contact the SAC Coordinator at cait.clemmer@noaa.gov.
