NOAAíS Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Seeks Applicants for Advisory Council

September 25, 2008

NOAA’s Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill one seat and two alternate positions on its advisory council, which ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for a conservation primary seat on the advisory council, as well as conservation and community-at-large (Marin/Sonoma) alternate positions. Candidates will be 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 two-year terms, pursuant to the council’s charter.

The advisory council consists of 24 primary and alternate members, including community-at-large (Marin/Sonoma); community-at-large (San Francisco/San Mateo); conservation (two seats); education; maritime activities (commercial); maritime activities (recreational); and research. There are also five governmental seats representing the California Environmental Protection Agency, California Resources Agency, National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA Fisheries.

"The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community," said sanctuary superintendent Maria Brown. “Their input, experience and expertise assist the sanctuary in making informed and timely decisions on how to best manage our wildlife and habits.”

Applications are due by Oct. 27, 2008. To receive an application kit, or for further information please contact council coordinator Kelley Higgason via e-mail at kelley.higgason@noaa.gov, by phone at 415-561-6622, ext.202, or by mail at Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 991 Marine Dr., The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129, Application kits can also be downloaded from the sanctuary’s Web site at http://farallones.noaa.gov.

Designated in 1981, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary encompasses more than 1,200 square miles of ocean and coastal waters beyond California’s Golden Gate. The sanctuary’s nutrient-rich waters provide vital nursery and spawning grounds for fish and shellfish and support the largest breeding seabird rookery in the contiguous United States. At least 36 marine mammal species have been observed within its borders, including 25 endangered species, such as blue and humpback whales.

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