Sanctuary Advisory Council Recruitment

National marine sanctuary advisory councils are community-based advisory groups established to provide recommendations to the superintendents of the national marine sanctuaries and marine national monuments. Councils also serve as liaisons between their constituents in the community and sanctuaries. The council is particularly critical in helping an existing sanctuary during its management plan review process.

The council ensures public participation in the management of the sanctuary by acting as a liaison between the Florida Keys community and sanctuary superintendent and staff. Council members provide advice about sanctuary operations and projects, while striving to repreßsent the diverse user groups that make up our sanctuary community. Members provide expertise on both the local community and sanctuary resources, strengthen connections with the community, and help build increased stewardship for sanctuary resources.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is not currently recruiting for the sanctuary's advisory council. For more information on the next recruitment window, please contact advisory council coordinator Elizabeth Trueblood.

Recruitment for Sanctuary Advisory Council seats generally occurs no more than twice per year.

The Importance of Diversity

Whether within a natural ecosystem or a human community, diversity creates strength and resilience. NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries values the remarkable diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experience found throughout sanctuary communities, and invites a wide range of individuals to seek membership on our sanctuary advisory councils. With a diverse membership, advisory councils can broaden access to understanding and participation in marine conservation and governance, foster innovation and creative problem solving, and can help advance the mission of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

"National marine sanctuaries are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of America's marine and cultural legacy," said John Armor, director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. "They are also places where people from diverse backgrounds can find common ground and discuss possible solutions to critical challenges facing the ocean. We welcome and value the wide range of perspectives and expertise that advisory council members bring to the National Marine Sanctuary System."