Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State of Michigan regard the involvement of communities and the development of a stewardship ethic as vitally important to successfully protect sanctuary resources.  One key way to achieve this involvement is the formation of sanctuary advisory councils.

A sanctuary advisory council is a community-based advisory group consisting of representatives from various user groups, government agencies and the public at large.  The role of the council is to provide advice to the sanctuary superintendent on the designation and/or operation of a national marine sanctuary.  All fourteen sites in the sanctuary system have an advisory council.

The NMSP is committed to the full support, utilization, and enhancement of councils at all sanctuaries. In order for councils to achieve their full potential, the NMSP within the limits of available resources will:

• At each site, provide sufficient support to allow councils to operate efficiently and effectively;

• Provide support and guidance from the national office to help councils operate efficiently and at a basic level of consistency across the system;

• Promote coordination and communication among councils and among sanctuary staff that work closely with councils; and

• Develop training programs appropriate to council officers and members, and sanctuary superintendents and staff.

Sanctuary Advisory Council Profile

The Thunder Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council (council) was established in 1997.  The council has fifteen members and fifteen alternates, five seats represent local community governments, and the other ten represent facets of the sanctuary community, including education, research, fishing, diving, tourism, cultural resources, economic development, and the community at large.  The council meets bi-monthly, with informal coffees and lunches scheduled for non-meeting months. Working groups meet as needed.  The fifteen alternates also take an active role in council meetings as well as assist in carrying out many volunteer assignments throughout the year.

Sanctuary Advisory Council
2013 Meeting Schedule

January 15 6:30 – 9:00pm
March 19 6:30 – 9:00pm
May 21 6:30 – 9:00pm
July 16 6:30 – 9:00pm
September 17 6:30 – 9:00pm
November 12 6:30 – 9:00pm

Meeting Location:
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center - Education Room
500 W. Fletcher Street, Alpena

SAC Coffee & Lunch Dates

February 19 Coffee 8:30am
April 16 Lunch 12:00pm
June 18 Coffee 8:30am
August 20 Lunch 12:00pm
October 15 Coffee 8:30am

SAC coffees and lunches are held at the Sanctuary office.
We will provide the coffee, but for the lunches it’s b.y.o.l.

SAC Directory
SAC Charter
SAC Fact Sheet

Minutes