National Marine Sanctuary News

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, managed by the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is seeking applicants for three Sanctuary Advisory Council seats representing local conservation, living resources research and university education interests.

Applicants are chosen based upon their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying. Consideration includes knowledge of the resources, and community and professional affiliations. Terms run for three years and members will serve without pay. The council meets on average once every two to four months depending on issues. Current holders of seats may re-apply.

The Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in August 1999 to provide advice on management and protection of the Sanctuary. The council, through its members, also represents community interests and concerns to sanctuary management and NOAA.

A council member application package may be obtained by calling Council Coordinator Becky Shortland at (912) 598-2345 or by e-mail at Becky.Shortland@noaa.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary; ATTN - Sanctuary Advisory Council Applications; 10 Ocean Science Circle; Savannah, GA, 31411. Applications must be received by Sept. 30, 2003. Representatives for each seat selected by the sanctuary will begin their terms in October.

Gray’s Reef was designated as a national marine sanctuary in 1981. It contains one of the largest near-shore, live-bottom reefs off the Southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 17 square nautical miles. The sanctuary supports an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, use Gray’s Reef year-round for foraging and resting. The reef rests within the known winter calving ground for the highly endangered northern right whale.

NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) seeks to increase the 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’s National Ocean Service manages the NMSP and is dedicated to exploring, understanding, conserving and restoring the nation’s coasts and oceans. The National Ocean Service balances environmental protection with economic prosperity in fulfilling its mission of promoting safe navigation, supporting coastal communities, sustaining coastal habitats and mitigating coastal hazards.

The Commerce Department’s 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 resources.

On the Web:
NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov
National Ocean Service: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary - http://graysreef.noaa.gov