07-3036. Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Notice and request for applications.

SUMMARY:

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following thirty vacant public seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council) (15 members; 15 alternates): (2) Research (Member and Alternate) (2) Conservation (Member and Alternate); (2) Education (Member and Alternate); (1) Marine Transportation (Member and Alternate); (1) Recreation (Member and Alternate); (1) Whalewatching (Member and Alternate); (1) Fixed Gear Commercial Fishing (Member and Alternate); (1) Mobile Gear Commercial Fishing (Member and Alternate); (1) Business and Industry (Member and Alternate); and (3) At-Large (Member and Alternate). 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 protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve two-three year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter. The Council consists also of three State and three Federal non-voting ex-officio seats.

DATES:

Applications are due by August 15, 2007.

ADDRESSES:

Application kits may be obtained from [e-mail] Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, MA 02066. Telephone [phone] x201. Completed applications should be sent to the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further questions contact; [e-mail], External Affairs Coordinator. Telephone: [phone] x206.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in March 2001 to assure continued public participation in the management of the Sanctuary. The Advisory Council's 21 members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public, plus seven local, State and Federal government agencies. Since its establishment, the Council has played a vital role in advising the Sanctuary and NOAA on critical issues and is currently focused on the sanctuary's new five-year Management Plan.

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary encompasses 842 square miles of ocean, stretching between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Renowned for its scenic beauty and remarkable productivity, the sanctuary supports a rich diversity of marine life including 22 species of marine mammals, more than 30 species of seabirds, over 60 species of fishes, and hundreds of marine invertebrates and plants.

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

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalogue Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program)

Dated: June 13, 2007.

Daniel J. Basta,

Director, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.