02-33137. Availability of Seats for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

AGENCY:

National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION:

Notice and request for applications.

SUMMARY:

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Business Representative and Tourism Representative. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the conservation and management of marine resources; and the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve three-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.

DATES:

Applications are due by January 10, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Application kits may be obtained from Nancy Berenson at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, 115 Harbor Way, Suite 150, Santa Barbara, CA 96825. Completed applications should be sent to the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michael Murray at [phone], or [e-mail], or visit the CINMS Web site at: http://www.cinms.nos.noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The CINMS Advisory Council was originally established in December 1998 and has a broad representation consisting of 20 members, including ten government agency representatives and ten members from the general public. The Council functions in an advisory capacity to the Sanctuary Manager. The Council works in concert with the Sanctuary Manager by keeping him or her informed about issues of concern throughout the Sanctuary, offering recommendations on specific issues, and aiding the Manager in achieving the goals of the Sanctuary program. Specifically, the Council's objectives are to provide advice on: (1) Protecting natural and cultural resources, and identifying and evaluating emergent or critical issues involving Sanctuary use or resources; (2) Identifying and realizing the Sanctuary's research objectives; (3) Identifying and realizing educational opportunities to increase the public knowledge and stewardship of the Sanctuary environment; and (4) Assisting in developing an informed constituency to increase awareness and understanding of the purpose and value of the Sanctuary and the National Marine Sanctuary Program.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program)

Dated: December 18, 2002.

Jamison S. Hawkins,

Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management.