National Marine Sanctuary News

Kate Thompson, Outreach Coordinator
Jeff Gray, Manager
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary,
(989) 356-8805

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Michigan announce the appointment of five members and alternates for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Advisory Council. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Twelve people applied for five seats on the Advisory Council. “We had a good response to our request for individuals interested in serving on the Council,” said Jeff Gray, sanctuary manager. “We were pleased to see all members re-apply for their seats and to review new applications as well. It creates a positive outlook for the Sanctuary to have both experienced members and new alternates on the Council.”

The Council provides advice and recommendations to the Sanctuary Manager and the Joint Management Committee (JMC--a state/federal body to oversee major policy, management and budget issues) on management of the Sanctuary. The Council draws on the expertise of its members and others to provide advice, serve as liaisons between their constituents and/or communities and the Sanctuary, serve as a forum for consultation, and may serve as an initial forum for dispute resolution between the Sanctuary and local users and/or stakeholders.

Named to fill the vacant seats for tourism, diving education, maritime history and at large seats were the following:

Tourism (2 year term) - Full member: Deborah L. Pardike; Alternate: Dennis R. Bodem
Diving (2 year term) - Full member: Merl E. Melton; Alternate: Stephen D. Kroll
Education (2 year term) - Full member: Paula J. Thompson; Alternate: Brian L. Tippman
Maritime History/Interpretation (2 year term) - Full member: John W. McConnell; Alternate: R. Eric Cline
Citizen-at-Large - (2 year term) Full member: Betty L. Krueger; Alternate: Marie Kaminski

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve was designated in October 2000 as a state and federal partnership to protect cultural resources within a 448 square mile area of Lake Huron off Alpena, Mich. NOAA and the State of Michigan jointly developed a comprehensive plan to protect and manage these resources.

NOAA’s 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 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.

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On the Internet:
NOAA - http://www.noaa.gov
NOAA National Ocean Service - https://oceanservice.noaa.gov
National Marine Sanctuary Program - http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve- http://thunderbay.noaa.gov