Humpback Whale Sanctuary Seeks Advisory Members

Eight seats are currently empty on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary‘s advisory council. Currently, seven alternate seats and one primary seat need to be filled, including one alternate specific to Hawai’i County.

Members of the council work together to ensure that the public is part of sanctuary matters and also works to 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.”

Applications are being sought for the following alternate seats: Hawai’i County, commercial shipping, Lana’i Island, citizen-at-large, education, tourism, and whale watching.

One primary seat is currently looking to be filled in commercial shipping.

Those who are applying will be selected to fill a seat based on their 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.

Terms for these positions are generally two years in length.

Applications are due by June 30.

For more information, contact Shannon Lyday by e-mailing Shannon.Lyday@noaa.gov, or call (808) 725-5905. Interested applicants can also visit the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary website.