Sanctuary Advisory Council

NOAA has established a Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) for the proposed Lake Erie National Marine Sanctuary. The advisory council brings members of the local community together to provide advice to NOAA and help guide the designation of the sanctuary. Council members will also act as liaisons to their communities, building a strong connection between the proposed sanctuary and its partners. SAC meetings are open to the public. You can find upcoming meeting information on the Meetings page.

The proposed Lake Erie National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council includes 15 voting members and 15 alternates representing a variety of community interests. The advisory council will also have seven government agencies that will serve in a non-voting capacity.

Council Recruitment

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 natural resources in the Lake Erie area. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve a three-year term or until a post-designation sanctuary advisory council is established. The following seats are currently unfilled on the Pre-designation Sanctuary Advisory Council:

Commercial/Charter fishing (alternate)

Divers, Dive Clubs & Archaeology (alternate)

Economic Development (alternate)

Historically Underserved Populations (member and alternate)

Maritime Industry (alternate)

Outdoor Recreation (alternate)

Research, Science and Technology (alternate)

Youth (two members and alternates)

An application period to fill these seats will be open from Thursday, February 27 - Thursday, March 27, 2025. You can find the application materials below.

For more information about the Office of National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Councils, please visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov/management/ac/.

For more information on the advisory council please contact Honey.Stempka@noaa.gov or Ellen.Brody@noaa.gov

Materials

FAQs

What is a Sanctuary Advisory Council?

National marine sanctuary advisory councils are community-based, volunteer advisory groups established to provide advice and recommendations to NOAA on issues including management, science, service, and stewardship. This sanctuary advisory council brings members of a diverse community together to provide advice to NOAA, to serve as a liaison with the nominating community, and to assist in guiding the site through the designation process.

How long do sanctuary advisory council members serve?

Applicants chosen as members or alternates should expect to serve three-year terms. Members are limited to three consecutive three-year terms on the council in the same seat, unless the Director has granted a waiver.

How do I apply for a seat on the sanctuary advisory council?

Interested parties should submit written statements of particular interest, qualifications, and experience related to the proposed Lake Erie National Marine Sanctuary. Application materials and additional information are available under the Materials section on this page. Sanctuary advisory council members must be at least 18 years of age. If applying to Youth seats, applicants need to be aged 14-17. Applications and nominations for each seat are due to NOAA by Thursday, March 27, 2025.

How are applicants for the sanctuary advisory council chosen?

Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; views regarding the protection and management of marine or Great Lakes resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the site. NOAA seeks to create a sanctuary advisory council that is balanced in terms of points of view represented, geographic diversity, and advisory functions the council will perform. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries director makes the final selection for seats.

What happens to the sanctuary advisory council upon formal designation?

The sanctuary advisory council’s charter expires three years after the date of signature, or when a decision has been made on designation. Six months prior to the expiration of the charter, ONMS, with input from council members, will evaluate the need for the council to determine whether to renew the charter. Revisions to the charter may be made once the sanctuary is established or as determined necessary by the ONMS with input from the council. Revisions could include updating the makeup of the council, such as changing the type or allocation of seats.