The NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants to fill six vacant Sanctuary Advisory Council seats. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The seats available are for non-governmental members and include members from the following counties: Hawai`i, Honolulu, Kaua`i, and Maui, and representatives from the Education and Research communities. Seats are vacant because current terms have expired. The general public is welcome to apply and the candidates selected should expect to serve until September 2005. Applicants are chosen based upon their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying. Considerations include community and professional affiliations, philosophy regarding the conservation and management of marine resources, and the length of residence in Hawai’i.
Non-governmental terms run for two years and members will serve without pay. The council meets on average once every two to four months, depending on issues. Applicants must be Hawai’i residents. Current holders of seats may re-apply.
A council member application package may be obtained by contacting Amy Glester at (808) 397-2655 or by email at: Amy.Glester@noaa.gov. Application packages are also available at the Sanctuary Web Site: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/. Completed applications should be mailed to:
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
6700 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite 104
Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
Interested persons must submit applications by August 1, 2003.
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in March 1996 to provide advice and recommendations on managing and protecting humpback whales. The council is composed of 16 government and 15 non-governmental representatives, and represents community interests and concerns to the sanctuary and NOAA. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is administered through a partnership of NOAA and the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands constitute one of the World’s most important humpback whale habitats. Approximately two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population migrates to Hawaiian waters each winter to engage in calving, nursing and breeding activities.
