Apply for Membership

Sanctuary Advisory Council Membership Recruitment

Individuals appointed to the 11 public seats on the Sanctuary Advisory Council serve voluntary terms of two to three years. A few times each year, with the approach of end-of-term dates for various seats, a recruitment period is opened to provide a public opportunity for interested persons to apply for membership for open positions on the council. Currently serving advisory council members may also seek to be reappointed, subject to term limit provisions described within the council's charter.

Application Review Status: OPEN

Applications are currently being sought for the Commercial Fishing seat (alternate) on the advisory council. For over forty years, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary remains invested in relationships with the commercial fishing community in order to provide resource protection that supports productive fisheries. Commercial fishing council representatives (one member and one alternate working together) have played an essential role in leading collaborative projects that support the well-being of their communities and the sanctuary’s mission. Applicants with knowledge and/or experience with the commercial fishing community and activities in the sanctuary region are highly encouraged to apply. For information about advisory council members, including the current Commercial Fishing Seat member, please visit the SAC membership page.

Application due date: June 8, 2023

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 sanctuary resources. Selected applicants should expect to serve as a volunteer for a 2.5-year term.

Background materials and an application form are provided here:

• What is the Sanctuary Advisory Council?
• Membership Expectations and Requirements
• Application Form
  • PDF
  • DOCX
• Current advisory council roster
• Advisory Council Charter
• National Sanctuary Advisory Council Implementation Handbook

Completed applications can be submitted as follows:
Email (preferred) to: kacy.cooper@noaa.gov

Or by mail to:

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
ATTN: Kacy Cooper
University of California, Santa Barbara
Ocean Science Education Building 514, MC 6155
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6155

For further information, please contact Kacy Cooper by email at kacy.cooper@noaa.gov, or call 805-203-6273.