National Marine Sanctuary News

Cheva Heck
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
(305) 292-0311, Cell Phone: (305) 304-0179

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the State of Florida are seeking applicants to fill open positions on the Sanctuary Advisory Council. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"One of the most important tasks facing our Sanctuary Advisory Council members and alternates will be guiding us through the continuing review of our final management plan,” said Sanctuary Superintendent Billy Causey. “Their firsthand knowledge of the Keys environment and links to the community will help us meet our goal of protecting our coral reef, mangroves and seagrass beds, while preserving the economy that depends on them.”

The Sanctuary Advisory Council was established to advise NOAA and the State of Florida on implementation of the sanctuary’s final management plan. The council members also serve as liaisons to the community regarding sanctuary issues. They relay the community’s interests, concerns, and management needs to the sanctuary administration.

The sanctuary will select new members and alternates for the following 14 seats: Local elected official; Citizen-at-large – Middle Keys; Citizen-at-large – Lower Keys; Tourism – Upper Keys; Tourism – Lower Keys; Diving – Upper Keys; Diving – Lower Keys; Charter Fishing / Flats Guide; Commercial Fishing – Shell / Scale; Commercial Fishing – Marine/Tropical; Conservation and Environment; Education/ Outreach; Research / Monitoring; Submerged Cultural Resources. The Sanctuary is also seeking an alternate member for the Boating seat.

Alternates attend meetings when members are not available and assume the seat if a member resigns. Members and alternates will serve three-year terms. The Council meets during the day on the third Tuesday of alternate months, usually in Marathon.

Applications are due in the Marathon office of the sanctuary by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2003. Applicants must reside in Monroe or Dade counties. The application review panel will consist of representatives from the sanctuary, the Governor's office, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Monroe County and National Marine Sanctuary Program Headquarters. Daniel Basta, Director of
the National Marine Sanctuary Program, will make final selections and appointments.

For information or applications, contact Fiona Wilmot via email at: fiona.wilmot@noaa.gov or by telephone at (305) 743-2437, ext. 27.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, designated in 1990, protects 2,900 square nautical miles of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, hardbottom communities, mangrove shorelines and mud and sand habitat through a state and federal partnership. NOAA and the State of Florida jointly developed a comprehensive plan to protect and manage Sanctuary resources.

NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) seeks to increase public awareness of America’s maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration and educational programs. Today, 13 national marine sanctuaries encompass more than 18,000 square miles of America’s ocean and Great Lakes natural and cultural resources.

NOAA National Ocean Service manages the National Marine Sanctuary Program and balances environmental protection with economic prosperity in fulfilling its mission of promoting safe navigation, supporting coastal communities, sustaining coastal habitats and mitigating coastal hazards.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resource.

On the Internet:
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov
National Ocean Service - https://oceanservice.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program - http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - http://floridakeys.noaa.gov

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