NOAA Seeks Advisory Council Applicants

NOAA’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for four seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

“Each of the members brings a unique perspective to the council based on their experience in the New England area,” said Craig MacDonald, sanctuary superintendent. “Since its establishment, the council has played a vital role in advising the sanctuary and NOAA on critical issues. We are very pleased that council members offer their considerable talents to help us manage the resources of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.”

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats: recreational fishing (alternate), business/industry (alternate); youth (primary and alternate).

Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve a three-year term.

The advisory council consists of 36 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups. It also includes six governmental seats representing Massachusetts Environmental Police; Coastal Zone Management; Division of Marine Fisheries; New England Fisheries Management Council; NOAA Fisheries; and U.S. Coast Guard First District.

Applications are due by December 31. To receive an application kit or for further information please contact Elizabeth Stokes via email at [email protected]; by phone at 781-545-8026 x201; or by mail at 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, MA 02066. Application kits can also be downloaded from the sanctuary’s website at http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/.