05-12773. Availability of Seats for the Flower Garden Banks 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 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Recreational Diving, Diving Operations, Oil and Gas Industry, Recreational Fishing, Commercial Fishing, Research, Education, and Conservation. 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 3-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.

DATES:

Applications are due by August 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Application kits may be obtained from Shelley Du Puy at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 1200 Briarcrest, Suite 4000, Bryan, Texas 77802. Completed applications should be sent to the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shelley Du Puy, 1200 Briarcrest, Suite 4000, Bryan, Texas 77802, 979-846-5942, [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Located in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary includes three separate areas, known as East Flower Garden, West Flower Garden, and Stetson Banks. The Sanctuary was designated on January 17, 1992. Stetson Bank was added to the Sanctuary in 1996. The Sanctuary Advisory Council will consist of no more than 11 members; 8 non-governmental voting members and 3 governmental non-voting members. The Council may serve as a forum for consultation and deliberation among its members and as a source of advice to the Sanctuary manager regarding the management of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

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

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program.)

Dated: June 23, 2005.

Daniel J. Basta,

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