Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

AGENCY:

National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION:

Notice and request for applications.

SUMMARY:

The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Advisory Council): Citizen-at-large member and alternate, Tourism/Chamber of Commerce member and alternate, and Conservation alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the Advisory Council's Charter.

DATES:

Applications are due by December 31, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Application kits may be obtained from Olympia Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 115 East Railroad Ave., Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Completed applications should be sent to the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Palmer, 115 East Railroad Ave., Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Telephone (360) 457-6622, ext. 15. E-mail andrew.palmer@noss.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Sanctuary Advisory Council members and alternatives serve three-year terms. The Advisory Council meets bi-monthly in public sessions in communities in and around the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in December 1998 to assure continued public participation in the management of the sanctuary. Serving in a volunteer capacity, the advisory council's 15 voting members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public. In addition, 5 Federal Government agencies and one Federally funded program serve as non-voting, ex-officio members. Since its establishment, the advisory council has played a vital role in advising the sanctuary and NOAA on critical issues. In addition to providing advice on management issues facing the Sanctuary, the Council members serve as a communication bridge between constituents and the Sanctuary staff.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431, et seq.