Sanctuary Advisory Council Applicants
Members representing nongovernmental seats on the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council are appointed by the director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. When an application period is open, announcements listing the seats and how to apply are made on this website, in local media sources, at public Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings, etc.
The Importance of Diversity
Whether within a natural ecosystem or a human community, diversity creates strength and resilience. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries values the remarkable diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experience found throughout sanctuary communities, and invites a wide range of individuals to seek membership on our sanctuary advisory councils. With a diverse membership, advisory councils can broaden access to understanding and participation in marine conservation and governance, foster innovation and creative problem solving, and can help advance the mission of the National Marine Sanctuary System.
"National marine sanctuaries are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of America’s marine and cultural legacy," said John Armor, director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. "They are also places where people from diverse backgrounds can find common ground and discuss possible solutions to critical challenges facing the ocean. We welcome and value the wide range of perspectives and expertise that advisory council members bring to the national marine sanctuary system."
Current Openings (8)
Community-at-Large Marin County - 2 vacancies
Community-at-Large Seat Description/Qualifications
- Reside in the area affected by the sanctuary;
- Proven ability to communicate with members in communities near the sanctuary;
- Experience and/or knowledge regarding marine or Great Lakes management and resource protection issues in the sanctuary;
- Experience and/or knowledge regarding public uses and activities in the sanctuary;
- Freedom to express views and cast votes without consideration of any expectations held by an employer or other organization with which the member is affiliated; and
- Availability of time to chair and/or participate on appropriate council working groups or subcommittees
Education - 2 openings
Education Seat Description/Qualifications
- Affiliation with educational institutions or organizations active in communities near the sanctuary;
- Ability to effectively communicate with multiple institutions and educators;
- Direct experience with marine or Great Lakes education programs;
- Experience, ability, and availability to conduct educational outreach consistent with the goals of the sanctuary and the mission of the council; and
- Commitment and availability of time to chair and/or participate on the council's education working group or subcommittee.
Fishing - 1 opening
Fishing Seat Description/Qualifications
- Familiarity and affiliation with fishing organizations active in communities near the sanctuary;
- Knowledge of commercial fishing activities within the sanctuary region;
- Breadth of experience and knowledge regarding fisheries law, policies, and practices affecting the sanctuary;
- Ability and willingness to communicate with key representatives from the fishing (commercial, recreational, or both) industries;
- Availability of time to chair and/or participate on appropriate council working groups or subcommittees.
Maritime Activities - 1 opening
Maritime Activities Seat Description/Qualifications
- Familiarity and affiliation with maritime activities/industry in communities near the sanctuary;
- Understanding of the links between maritime activities/industry, sanctuary resources, and human activities;
- Breadth of experience and knowledge regarding law, policies, and practices related to maritime activities affecting the sanctuary;
- Ability and willingness to communicate with key representatives from maritime industry (commercial, recreational, or both);
- Availability of time to chair and/or participate on appropriate council working groups or subcommittees.
Research - 2 openings
Research Seat Description/Qualifications
- Affiliation with scientific research institutions or organizations active in communities near the sanctuary;
- Ability to effectively communicate with multiple institutions and scientists;
- Direct experience with marine or Great Lakes research programs;
- Experience, ability, and availability to conduct outreach within the research community consistent with the goals of the sanctuary and the mission of the council;
- Commitment and availability of time to chair and/or participate on the council’s research working group or subcommittee.
How to Apply
Deadline to apply is Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.
Please submit your completed application form, and any attached statements or documents, to Jordan Gorostiza by the given deadline.