Marine Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Council Candidates

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill 10 primary and nine alternate seats on its advisory council.

Below is a list of seats the sanctuary is planning to fill:

• Commercial Shipping (alternate)
• Conservation (primary)
• Education (primary & alternate)
• Fishing (primary & alternate)
• Hawai‘i Island Representative (primary & alternate)
• Kaua‘i Island Representative (primary & alternate)
• Lāna‘i Island Representative (primary)
• Maui Island Representative (primary)
• Native Hawaiian (alternate)
• Ocean Recreation (primary)
• Research (primary & alternate)
• Tourism (alternate)
• Whale Watching (primary & alternate)

The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management.

“The members of our sanctuary advisory council represent extremely important elements of our community,” sanctuary superintendent Allen Tom said in a press release.

“We rely on their input, experience and expertise to assist us in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our humpback whales, and important cultural and natural resources.”

Candidates are selected based on experience, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as primary or alternate members should expect to serve a three-year term.

Applications are due by the end of Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Click here for an application.