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

June 19, 2015

NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has named fishing guide Will Benson as an alternate on its advisory council. Benson fills the fishing – charter flats fishing guide alternate seat, which represents flats fishing guides throughout the Florida Keys.

“We’re happy to see this seat filled, given that charter fishing is such an important part of the Florida Keys’ outdoor culture,” said sanctuary superintendent Sean Morton. “Captain Benson is a great addition to the council and passionate advocate for flats fishing and resource protection.”

The appointment fills the remaining vacancy on the council, which provides the sanctuary superintendent with input and recommendations on sanctuary programs and management. A full listing of council members, along with their contact information, is available on the sanctuary website at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac/members.html.

Designated by Congress 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 includes 20 representatives and alternates from community constituent groups and 11 non-voting government representatives. Serving in a voluntary capacity for three-year terms, 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.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join NOAA on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels.