Press Release

For Immediate Release
April 1, 2010

Contact
Becky Shortland
912-598-2381

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Seeks Applicants for Advisory Council

NOAA's Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for two positions on its advisory council representing Georgia conservation and living resources research. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

Candidates will be selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and familiarity with the protection and management of marine resources. Current council members representing these constituent groups can reapply. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve three-year terms, pursuant to the council's charter.

"The sanctuary advisory council provides a vital place for the community and sanctuary management to exchange ideas, discuss issues and share information", said sanctuary superintendent George Sedberry.

Applications for the advisory council seat are due May 15, 2010. To receive an application kit, or for further information please contact council coordinator Becky.Shortland@noaa.gov via e-mail, by phone at 912-598-2381, or by mail at 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411.

The Gray's Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in August 1999 to ensure continued public participation in the management of the sanctuary.

Designated in 1981, NOAA's Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest near-shore live-bottom reefs off the southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 22 square miles. The live bottom and ledge habitat support an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, also use Gray's Reef year-round for foraging and resting, and highly endangered North Atlantic right whales are occasionally seen in the sanctuary.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov .