Sanctuary Advisory Council

Sanctuary advisory councils are an important provision within the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and play a vital role advising sanctuary staff and NOAA on sanctuary operations, including education and outreach, research and science, cultural considerations, regulations and enforcement, and management planning. Council members also play an important role as liaisons between their constituents in the community and sanctuary leadership.

Originally established in 2000 as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council, the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the national marine sanctuary, inclusive of the reserve. The sanctuary encompasses 582,570 square miles of Pacific Ocean waters in Hawaiʻi, providing protection to nationally significant natural, cultural, and historical resources while bringing opportunities for research, community engagement, and education and outreach activities.

Meeting Information

Get Involved

Those interested in helping to shape the future of Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary can subscribe to the sanctuary's listserv for future updates on advisory council membership and recruitment.