# Availability of Seats for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
**AGENCY:**
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).
**ACTION:**
Notice and request for applications.
**SUMMARY:**
The ONMS is seeking applicants for the following three vacant seats on the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (council): Research, Marine Business/Ports/Industry, and Conservation/Environmental. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members and alternates should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter.
**DATES:**
Applications are due by January 15, 2009.
**ADDRESSES:**
Application kits may be obtained from Andrew Palmer, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 115 E. Railroad Ave., Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Completed applications should be sent to the same address.
**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:**
Andrew Palmer, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 115 5. Railroad Ave., Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362, (360) 452-6622 ext. 15, *[email protected]* .
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
Sanctuary Advisory Council members and alternates serve three-year terms. The Advisory Council meets bi-monthly in public sessions in communities in and around the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was established in December 1998 to assure continued public participation in the management of the sanctuary. Serving in a volunteer capacity, the advisory council's 15 voting members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public. In addition, five Federal government agencies and one federally funded program serve as non-voting, ex officio members. Since its establishment, the advisory council has played a vital role in advising the sanctuary and NOAA on critical issues. In addition to providing advice on management issues facing the Sanctuary, the Council members serve as a communication bridge between constituents and the Sanctuary staff.
**Authority:**
16 U.S.C. Sections 1431, *et seq.*
(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary Program)
Dated: December 8, 2008.
Daniel J. Basta,
Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.