Advisory Council applicants wanted for whale sanctuary

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary announced last week that it is seeking to fill eight primary and nine alternate seats on its advisory council.

The council ensures public input into sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary management. Youth and adults are encouraged to apply.

“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent.

“Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”

The sanctuary is seeking primary and alternate seat applicants for Native Hawaiian, fishing, education and research. It is seeking alternate county seat applicants for Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui and Honolulu.

Youth or student applicants ages 14 to 17 are encouraged to apply for the commercialshipping alternate seat.

Candidates are 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 are also considered.

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in March 1996 to ensure continuous public participation in the management of the sanctuary.

The council’s 19 voting members and 15 non-voting members serve on a volunteer basis and represent a variety of local user groups, the general public, and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.

Alternates attend meetings when primary members are not available and assume a seat if a primary member resigns.

Applications are due June 30. To receive an application kit, contact council coordinator Joe Paulin at Joseph.Paulin@noaa.gov or call 397-2651 x257. Visit the sanctuary website at  hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.