FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2013

NOAA's Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
seeks advisory council applicants

NOAA's Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for four seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats: recreational fishing, research, education, and conservation. Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve three-year terms.

"Sanctuary advisory councils have proven to be an invaluable source of advice and input by members of the community regarding the management of our national marine sanctuaries, America's ocean treasures," said George P. Schmahl, sanctuary superintendent. "We are excited about the role our advisory council has played in the management of the sanctuary, and we look forward to working with new members."

The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in 2005. The volunteer council's 16 voting members and five non-voting members represent a variety of local user groups, the general public, and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.

Applications are due Feb. 18. To receive an application or for further information please contact Jennifer Morgan by email at Jennifer.Morgan@noaa.gov; by phone at 409-621-5151 ext.103; or by mail at NOAA - Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, 4700 Avenue U, Bldg. 216, Galveston, TX 77551. Application materials may also be downloaded from the sanctuary's web site.

Located 115 miles off the Texas/Louisiana coast, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary includes the northernmost coral reefs in the continental United States, sponge communities and other essential habitats for a variety of species.

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On the Web:
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries