Advisory Members Sought for Humpback Whale Sanctuary

Seven primary and ten alternate seats are currently empty and looking to be filled on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary advisory council.

Among the seats are one Hawai’i County seat for both primary and alternate roles. Alternate citizen-at-large, alternate education, alternate tourism, primary research, both primary and alternate whale watching, and fishing seats are also being sought.

Neighbor island roles include alternate Lana’i Island, primary City and County of Honolulu, alternate Moloka’i Island, and primary and alternate Kaua’i County and Maui County.

Council members ensure that the public participates in sanctuary matters and provide advice to sanctuary management.

“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience, and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”

Final selections will be based on the applicant’s expertise and experience in relation to the seat they are applying for. In addition, community and professional affiliations and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources will be considered.

Those who are selected should expect to serve a two-year term.

Applications are due by Nov. 30.

For more information, contact Denise Shiraki by e-mailing Denise.Shiraki@noaa.gov, or call (808) 725-5903. Interested applicants can also visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary website.