NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries advisory council applicants

group photo of advisory council chairs, representatives and staff — Office of National Marine Sanctuaries advisory council chairs and representatives and staff gather with ONMS Director, John Armor, at the 2016 National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Summit in Annapolis, Maryland.

National marine sanctuary advisory councils are community-based advisory groups established to provide advice and recommendations to the superintendents of the national marine sanctuaries on issues including management, science, service, and stewardship. They also serve as liaisons between their constituents in the community and the sanctuary.

"Across the sanctuary system, advisory council members represent a vibrant and diverse body of expertise from our local communities," said John Armor, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. "Their input and experience provides the system with the critical insights needed to make well-informed decisions on how to best manage and protect our natural and cultural resources for current and future generations."

Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; views regarding the protection and management of marine or Great Lakes resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the site. Applicants chosen as members or alternates should expect to serve two or three-year terms, pursuant to the charter of the specific national marine sanctuary advisory council or Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council.