0905 meeting called to order

Present:
Daniel Cohen
Tom Lambert
Carol Keiper
Joe Smith
Doreen Moser
Brian Mulvey
Bill McMilllon
Josh Churchman
Richard Powers
Dan Howard
Rowena Forest
Jennifer Stock


Approval of last meeting’s minutes:
Discussion ensued in regards to corrections to be made to minutes from the April 24th, 2003 and July 17th, 2003 CB SAC Meetings. These corrections were noted by the Coordinator and will be made.

Motion:
Later in today’s meeting Gregor Caillet will comment on rockfish aging techniques, and a statement regarding this, in the minutes from the April 24, 2003 SAC meeting.

Daniel Cohen raised the motion
Josh Churchman seconded
All SAC members present were in favor

Motion:
The CB Advisory Council motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the July 17, 2003 SAC meeting.

Doreen Moser motioned
Joe Smith seconded
All present were in favor


Public Comment Period:
Jan Roletto of GFNMS spoke regarding the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Research Activities Panel, and encouraged CBNMS to develop a similar RAP, and/or form a joint RAP with GFNMS.


Creation of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Research Activity Panel – Gregor Caillet
Gregor gave a presentation regarding the creation of the Research Activity Panel at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Gregor discussed how this RAP was started, the objectives and research plan of the RAP, What the RAP has done, how it has solved many types of problems (both for the MBNMS SAC and Management), and what the RAP continues to work on and proposes to do.

The MBNMS RAP website is: http//Montereybay.nos.noaa.gov/intro/advisory/rap_objectives.html

Gregor concluded with some achievements of the MBNMS RAP: This RAP played a major role in the development and maturation of the Research Program of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; The RAP provided the SAC and MBNMS Management advice on many issues; and has enabled many marine scientists to pursue research projects, often in collaboration with others. Gregor expressed his hope that all three Central California National Marine Sanctuaries will develop Research Activity Panels, which will be able to coordinate their activities and work together.

Question and Comment Period regarding Gregor Caillet’s Presentation
Gregor addressed questions regarding funding and monies for the function of a RAP, as well as the chain of command/recommendation functionings of the RAP, and how to accommodate and attract professionals to participate on a forming RAP.

Gregor gave some examples of “real-life” problems and situations the MBNMS RAP has encountered and how they addressed and followed-up with these.


Study and Aging of Rockfish Species – Gregor Caillet
Gregor gave a presentation, as requested earlier in this meeting by the SAC, regarding aging studies in pacific rockfish species. Gregor addressed studies done on species such as rattails, bank rockfish, thorny heads, and bocaccio. Aging techniques included analyzing otoliths of rockfish, as well as radiometric carbon analyses.

Break 11:15-11:30 a.m.

Final Recommendations of the Joint Management Plan Review – Anne Walton, Ruth Howell
Anne reviewed the special meeting process from the July 17th CB SAC retreat, and meetings with CB staff and management to develop the final MPR recommendations for CBNMS.

Presentations of these recommendations were given for: Education, Ecosystem Protection, Community Partnerships, Research, Administration, Community Outreach, Maritime Heritage, and Cross-cutting Administration.

The CBNMS website will have up dated information regarding the final recommendation process of the JMPR.

Lunch 12:50-1:35


Manager’s Report – Dan Howard
Dan addressed the status of our Government Seat position of the SAC, and why this position is a non-voting seat. Brian Mulvey will remain as the CB SAC Government seat holder.

Dan discussed the Delta Research Cruise for CBNMS this fall, and noted that he will give a full presentation regarding this at our December meeting. Dan covered the length of time at sea, what areas were surveyed, and habitat areas/types in relation to study transects. Habitat typing, fish abundance and invertebrate cover was analyzed on these transects. Dan also discussed the deployment and functionings of the submersible.


Biogeographic Atlas Study – Wendy Morrison
Wendy discussed the biogeographic study of all three Central California Sanctuaries. The study area included Point Arena to Point Sal. The Biogeo study is looking at, and for, large data sets to work with concerning marine habitats, fish distribution, bird and mammal distribution, and the integration of fish and bird biology.

Wendy covered the topics of bathymetric and substrate maps, species richness and diversity, fisheries dependence and interdependence, NMFS study trawls, seabird density, biomass and breeding colonies. Initial fish and invertebrate study conclusions were presented, as well as a summary of temporal and spatial patterns of seabirds within the study area.


SAC Member Updates –
Joe Smith presented two options for the CB Advisory Council letterhead. The council discussed the pros and cons of both and possible revisions were discussed. A decision about the final logo design will be discussed at the December meeting.

Doreen Moser commented on the need for web updates to the CB and SAC sites, and asked of Greg Caillet’s presentation as well as other important information could be posted on an on-going basis.

Rick Powers announced that there have been many sightings of Blue Whales in and around the Sanctuary, and most notable close to shore, as of late.

Carol Keiper and Dan Howard cited the abundance of krill also seen close to shore as a possible reason for the unusual whale sightings.

Brian Mulvey announced the annual NOAA Oceanfest is set for October 11, 2003 at Crissy Field in San Francisco.

Tom Lambert pointed out the recent article about Cordell Bank NMS in Coast and Ocean Magazine – (the Summer 2003 issue).

Dan Howard discussed the proposed new budget cuts as requested from Headquarters, and that there will be tighter tracking of all programs and products. Under the proposed plan all business conducted and spending will need to be justified and tied to existing mandates.

Carol Keiper opened the floor for suggestions for the December second SAC meeting agenda.

Announcements
Jenny Stock announced the upcoming public lecture entitled Pioneers of the Deep; the Exploration and Preservation of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This will be held at the Dance Palace Community Center in Point Reyes Station on October 23rd. Jenny also announced the upcoming Cordell Expeditions reunion which will be held in Berkeley on October 25th.

Dan Howard announced the upcoming Communications/Media Training for Sanctuary employees and Council members, which will be held on November 12th at the Red Barn Classroom at Bear Valley/Olema. Dan also announced the approaching reauthorization of the Marine Sanctuaries Act, and welcomed comments from the SAC regarding this.

Motion
Carol Keiper motioned to adjourn the meeting at 3:35 pm
Doreen seconded
All present were in favor

Meeting adjourned at 3:35 pm