Sanctuary Advisory Council

 

Sanctuary advisory councils are community-based advisory groups established to provide advice and 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. Sanctuary advisory councils provide advice about sanctuary operations and projects, including education and outreach, research and science, regulations and enforcement, and management planning. They are particularly critical in helping a sanctuary during its designation and management plan review process. Council members provide expertise on both the local community and sanctuary resources, strengthen connections with the community, and help build increased stewardship for sanctuary resources.

In 1990, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act was approved, authorizing the establishment of a Sanctuary Advisory Council for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The first council meeting took place in February 1992.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council members represent boating, conservation and environment, diving, education and outreach, South Florida ecosystem restoration, fishing (commercial and recreational), elected county government, submerged cultural resources, research and monitoring, tourism and the community at large. The council meets six times a year.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Charter (pdf, 192 KB)

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Charter describes the roles and objectives of the council's activities, procedural requirements regarding the appointment of council members and officers, member conduct, and other requirements.

Sanctuary Advisory Council Members

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is a great way for members of the community to get involved with the sanctuary. Vacancies for non-governmental positions on the advisory council are announced on the sanctuary website, promoted in Florida Keys media and noticed in the Federal Register. Or, if you want to voice your opinion or ask questions about the sanctuary, contact the current council members who represent your area of interest, as one of the roles of the members is to serve as a liaison between the sanctuary and members of the community. More

Sanctuary Advisory Council Meetings, Announcements and Actions

Check this page for information about upcoming Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings and other announcements and to access minutes and other materials from previous meetings. More

Sanctuary Advisory Council Working Groups

The Council, working with public and community experts, is developing recommendations for changes to sanctuary marine zones and regulations. More

Sanctuary Advisory Council Recruitment

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary routinely recruits for seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in the management of the sanctuary. More