Sanctuary Advisory Council

A sacntuary advisory council meeting
Photo: NOAA

The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in 1999 to provide advice on the management and protection of the sanctuary. A community-based body, the advisory council, through its members, serves as a liaison to the community regarding sanctuary issues and represents community interests, concerns, and management needs to the sanctuary. The council is composed of representatives of Native American tribes, state and local governments, other federal agencies, maritime industry, fishing, education, tourism, conservation organizations and the community at large.

Olympic Coast's Sanctuary Advisory Council operates under a charter charter (289 kb pdf), and serves strictly in a voluntary, advice-giving role. Nevertheless, the group provides an invaluable service as subject experts, a sounding board for potential management decisions and spokespersons for the broader community. In addition to the charter, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has developed Council Handbook (334k pdf) that provides guidance for sanctuary advisory councils.

For more information, please contact Chris.ButlerMinor@noaa.gov.