The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) is accepting applications for open seats until May 1, 2024.

SAC is a community-based body that advises the sanctuary superintendent on issues relevant to the effective implementation of the sanctuary management plan. The council is the formal organizational link to the sanctuary’s user community and others interested in the management of this nationally significant area of the marine environment.

Duties of the council include:

• Providing advice and recommendations to the superintendent regarding management of the sanctuary, drawing upon the expertise of its members and other sources.
• Serving as liaisons between their communities and the sanctuary by keeping sanctuary staff informed of issues and concerns, as well as performing outreach to their respective communities on the sanctuary’s behalf.
• Serving as a forum for consultation and deliberation among its members and as a source of consensus advice to the superintendent.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats:

• Business Industry (Alternate)–one seat
• Education (Alternate)–one seat
• Fixed Gear Commercial Fishing (Alternate)–one seat
• Marine Transportation (Alternate)–one seat
• Research (Primary)–one seat
• Whale Watch (Primary)–one seat
• Youth Non-Voting (Alternate)–one seat

SAC members serve three-year terms; Youth serve two-year terms.

The SAC comprises 36 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups. It also includes seven seats representing other federal and state government agencies.

Contact laura.howes@noaa.gov or call 781-205-0354 with questions about the Stellwagen Bank SAC and recruitment.

Learn more about National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Councils here.