Advisory Council

National marine sanctuaries provide a unique opportunity for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop community partnerships by supporting sanctuary advisory councils. The role of the council is to provide advice to the sanctuary superintendent on the designation and/or operation of a national marine sanctuary.

About the Advisory Council

The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is a community based body that was established in 2001. Advisory council seats are occupied by members representing research, conservation, maritime activities, fishing, education, the community at-large and two federal agency partners. In addition to providing advice as a body to the sanctuary superintendent, individual advisory council members act as liaisons between the sanctuary and their constituent groups. The advisory council holds a minimum of four regular meetings per year, and an annual retreat in the summer or fall. Meetings are open to the public and we invite all to attend. Please check the Advisory Council Meeting page for upcoming meeting dates, times and locations. Please feel free to contact the advisory council member representing your area of interest directly or attend an upcoming Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting.

Members representing nongovernmental seats are appointed; information regarding how to apply (when an application period is open) is posted on the Sanctuary Advisory Council Applicants page.

For general questions regarding sanctuary advisory council matters, please contact the sanctuary advisory council coordinator, Tishma Patel.