Apply for Membership
Sanctuary Advisory Council Membership Recruitment
Individuals appointed to the 12 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 due: January 31, 2026
Applications are currently being sought for 7 seats: Education alternate seat, Business member and alternate seats, Public at large 2 member seats, and Conservation member and alternate seats on the advisory council.
Candidates will be selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat, 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 two to three year term.
Education Seat (alternate seat):
- Affiliation with educational institutions or organizations in the Sanctuary region;
- Ability to effectively communicate with multiple educational institutions and educators; • Direct experience with marine education programs;
- Experience, ability and availability to conduct educational outreach consistent with the goals of the Sanctuary and the SAC; and
- Commitment and availability of time to chair a SAC Education Working Group.
Business Seat (member and alternate seats):
- Familiarity and affiliation with the local businesses in communities near to the sanctuary;
- Understanding of the links between local businesses, sanctuary resources, and human activities;
- Ability and willingness to communicate with key representatives from ocean-dependent and ocean-associated businesses.
Public At-Large (Two member seats):
- Familiarity with communities close to the sanctuary;
- Experience and/or knowledge regarding marine management and resource protection issues in the sanctuary;
- Experience and/or knowledge regarding public uses and activities in the sanctuary;
- Freedom to express views and cast votes independent of the expectations held by an employer, constituency or other organization to which the member is affiliated.
Conservation Seat (member and alternate seats):
- Familiarity with marine conservation issues and management approaches affecting the sanctuary;
- Experience working with or representing conservation or environmental organizations, especially those involved with marine conservation;
- Ability to communicate effectively with the broader conservation community in the sanctuary region;
- Commitment and availability of time to Chair and assure the continued operation of the SAC’s Conservation Working Group.