NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary appoints advisory council members

April 17, 2013

NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary announced two alternate members to serve new terms on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. The appointees bring a valuable range of experience to the council, which provides sanctuary staff with input and recommendations on sanctuary programs and management.

“The Sanctuary Advisory Council is the driving force behind the ongoing review of Sanctuary marine zones and regulations, playing a critical role in shaping marine conservation for the future,” said Sean Morton, sanctuary superintendent. “We welcome our newest council members, and encourage the public to get to know their council representatives and provide feedback on issues of interest or concern.”

The appointed advisory council alternates, who began new terms at the April 16 meeting of the sanctuary advisory council, are: Kenneth Reda, Boating Industry; and Linda Kruszka, Commercial Fishing Marine/Tropical.

Authorized in 1990 and established in 1992, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The council has 20 representatives and alternates from community constituent groups, and 11 government agencies have non-voting representatives on the council. Serving in a voluntary capacity, the council members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of critical marine habitat, including coral reef, hard bottom, sea grass meadows, mangrove communities and sand flats, as well as shipwrecks and maritime heritage resources. NOAA and the state of Florida manage the sanctuary. Visit us at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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