Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council seeks advisory council applicants

NOAA's Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve is seeking to fill seven primary and seven alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in reserve management and provides advice to the NOAA superintendent.

The Reserve Advisory Council is accepting applications for the following seats:

  • Citizen-At-Large (Primary)
  • Commercial Fishing (Primary and Alternate)
  • Conservation (Primary and two Alternates)
  • Native Hawaiian Elder (Primary and Alternate)
  • Native Hawaiian (Primary and Alternate)
  • Ocean Related Tourism (Primary)
  • Recreational Fishing (Primary and Alternate)
  • Research (Primary and Alternate)

"Having community representatives who are fully engaged in our advisory council process is an essential part of the overall success of our team," said Eric Roberts, NOAA's superintendent for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. "Their input is an integral part of protecting this special place."

Candidates will be selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat(s) for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of reserve resources. Selected applicants should expect to serve as a volunteer for a three-year term and participate in quarterly meetings.

The advisory council consists of 15 voting primary members and 15 non-voting alternate members representing a variety of public interests. It also includes 10 non-voting governmental members representing federal and state agencies.

Applications are due by Oct. 20, 2023 at 5 p.m. For further information, please contact Sara Wood, Advisory Council Coordinator, via email at sara.wood@noaa.gov.

The Importance of Diversity


Whether within a natural ecosystem or a human community, diversity creates strength and resilience. NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries values the remarkable diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experience found throughout sanctuary communities, and invites a wide range of individuals to seek membership on our sanctuary advisory councils. With a diverse membership, advisory councils can broaden access to understanding and participation in marine conservation and governance, foster innovation and creative problem solving, and can help advance the mission of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

“National marine sanctuaries are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of America’s marine and cultural legacy,” said John Armor, director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “They are also places where people from diverse backgrounds can find common ground and discuss possible solutions to critical challenges facing the ocean. We welcome and value the wide range of perspectives and expertise that advisory council members bring to the national marine sanctuary system.”