Sanctuary Advisory Council Recruitment

Current Vacancies

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats:

  • Business Industry (Alternate) – 1 seat
  • Education (Alternate) – 1 seat
  • Fixed Gear Commercial Fishing (Alternate) – 1 seat
  • Marine Transportation (Alternate) – 1 seat
  • Research (Primary) – 1 seat
  • Whale Watch (Primary) – 1 seat
  • Youth non-voting (Alternate) – 1 seat

The application period opens April 8, 2024

Completed applications are due by May 15, 2024

Applications received or postmarked after May 15th will not be considered.

Applications can be downloaded by clicking the links below. Applicants accepted as Advisory Council members should expect to serve a 3-year term and Youth 2-year term. The advisory council consists of 36 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups. It also includes 7 seats representing other federal and state government agencies.

Please contact laura.howes@noaa.gov, or tel: 781-205-0354 with any questions about the Stellwagen Bank NMS Advisory Council and recruitment.

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

Application Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What is a Sanctuary Advisory Council?

ANSWER: 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.

QUESTION: How long do sanctuary advisory council members serve?

ANSWER: Applicants chosen as members or alternates should expect to serve two or three-year terms based on the seat (seats are staggered to avoid having to recruit a full slate of new members). Members are limited to three consecutive terms on the council in the same seat, unless the ONMS Director has granted a waiver.

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

ANSWER: Interested parties should submit written statements of particular interest, qualifications, and experience related to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary advisory council members must be at least 18 years of age, with the exception of youth seat members.

QUESTION: How do I know if I am eligible to apply for a specific seat?

ANSWER: The seat descriptions are included in the document linked above.

QUESTION: How are applicants for the sanctuary advisory council chosen?

ANSWER: Applicants are chosen based upon their particular 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 marine resources. NOAA seeks to maintain 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.