02-18159. Availability of Seats for the Gray's Reef 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 letters of application.

SUMMARY:

The Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Sport Diving, Sport Fishing, Local Conservation, Regional Conservation, Education K-12, Education University, Research Living Resources, and Research Non-living Resources.

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 July 31, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Application information may be obtained from Becky Shortland, Council Coordinator, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411; telephone [phone]; [e-mail]. Applications should be sent to Reed Bohne, Manager, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (same address).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Becky Shortland, Council Coordinator, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31410; telephone [phone]; [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in August 1999 to provide advice and recommendations on management and protection of the Sanctuary. The Council, through its members, also serves as liaison to the community regarding sanctuary issues and represents community interests, concerns, and management needs to the Sanctuary and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce). Gray's Reef NMS is one of the largest near shore live-bottom reefs off the Southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 17 square nautical miles. The area earned sanctuary designation in 1981.

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

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number)

Dated: July 5, 2002.

Jamison S. Hawkins,

Deputy Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management.