NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for one position representing sport diving on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

Candidates for Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary advisory council are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding 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 Nov. 30. To receive an application kit, or for more information, contact council coordinator Becky Shortland via e-mail at becky.shortland@noaa.gov, by phone at (912) 598-2381, or by mail at 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411.

The council was established in 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 northern right whales are occasionally seen in the sanctuary.

NOAA predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages coastal and marine resources.