Advisory Council
The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary established its Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC or council) in the fall of 2005. Since its establishment, the council has proven to be a key mechanism for identifying and evaluating emergent or critical issues involving sanctuary use and resources. The council is also vital to having an informed constituency, serving as a liaison between constituents and/or communities and the sanctuary, thereby increasing stewardship of the sanctuary. The SAC's quarterly meetings provide a public forum for consultation and community deliberation on resource management issues affecting our underwater heritage and resources.
One of the council's most important strengths is its diversity of membership. The Sanctuary Advisory Council consists of 20 members: 10 primary voting community members, A non-voting student seat and alternate, and 12 related governmental non-voting members.
The community seats represent a variety of regional interests and stakeholders, from recreational divers and fishermen to maritime archaeologists and heritage tourism interests, among others. Government seats are related to the sanctuary's mission and include agencies within federal government, departments of the North Carolina and Virginia state governments, and local North Carolina government entities.
It is the expertise and experience of these individuals, particularly related to sanctuary resources and values, which combine to form a highly valuable collective body that is an effective resource for informed and timely sanctuary management.
Thank you for your interest in the Monitor Sanctuary Advisory Council. If you have any questions, contact the SAC Coordinator.
To keep informed about upcoming public meetings of the council, or opportunities to apply for council membership, follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
We invite you to check this website for information on upcoming council meetings and hope that you can join us!
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." John Armor, Director Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.