NOAA is establishing a new Sanctuary Advisory Council for Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The advisory council will bring members of the local community together to provide advice to NOAA and help guide sanctuary management. Council members will also act as liaisons to their communities, building a strong connection between the sanctuary and stakeholders. This new council replaces the pre-designation council.
More information about National Marine Sanctuaries Advisory Councils
The Lake Ontario Advisory Council's 15 voting members will represent a variety of interests, from recreation and tourism to education and research. The membership is designed to balance points of view represented, geographic diversity, and advisory functions the council will perform. An alternate for each seat will also be selected. Council meetings are open to the public and provide a place where community interests, support, and concerns are heard.
Voting Seats
- Citizen-at-Large: 2 Seats
- Business, Marketing and Economic Development: 2 Seats
- Divers, Dive Clubs and Archaeology: 2 Seats
- Education (K-12): 1 Seat
- Higher Education: 1 Seat
- Fishing: 1 Seat
- History, Maritime Heritage and Public Interpretation: 2 Seats
- Recreation: 1 Seat
- Research, Science and Technology: 1 Seat
- Tourism: 2 Seats
- Youth (non voting): 2 Seats
Non Voting Seats
By virtue of jurisdictions adjacent to the sanctuary, each of the following government entities will designate one individual to serve on the council. The following government agencies will sit on the council as non-voting members:
- New York Department of State
- New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- United States Coast Guard
- Port of Oswego Authority
- Oswego County
- Cayuga County
- Jefferson County
- Wayne County
- City of Oswego
- New York Sea Grant
Additionally, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries welcomes the participation of interested Indigenous Nations and Tribes on the council. This can be initiated by contacting the sanctuary superintendent. Participation on the council does not take the place of government-to-government consultation nor does it serve as the only opportunity for engagement between NOAA and Native American Nations and Tribes.
Council Recruitment
Recruitment is now open for new members and alternates. 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 maritime heritage resources. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve two to three-year terms.
Application deadline is September 17, 2024.
- Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Charter
- Sanctuary Advisory Council Seat Descriptions
- Application Cover Letter
- Application Form
- Youth Application Form
- Federal Register Notice Establishing New Sanctuary Advisory Council
For more information on the advisory council please contact pam.orlando@noaa.gov