Humpback marine sanctuary seeks advisory council applicants

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

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

“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats: Maui County (alternate); Molokai Island (primary and alternate); and Native Hawaiian (primary).

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 marine resources. Applicants chosen as primaries or alternates should expect to serve a two-year term.

Applications are due by Nov. 30. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact Kate Spidalieri via email at Kate.Spidalieri@noaa.gov; by phone at 240-533-0679; or visit the sanctuary website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html.

Completed applications should be submitted to: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, NOS/HIHWNMS/Kate Spidalieri, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.