Around the Reef

By Michelle Riley Communications & Public Outreach Coordinator Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary

Fishermen near the iconic yellow buoy at Gray's Reef. Photo provided by NOAA

This is a great way to make your voice heard and to represent your constituency, whether it’s the sportfishing community, divers, or folks in your neighborhood. Rarely does Gray’s Reef have this many seats open at once, including recreational fishing, recreational diving, and citizen-at-large. You do not need to boat out to Gray’s Reef to be considered for the position, nor must you live in Georgia or South Carolina. Gray’s Reef is a national marine sanctuary and belongs to all Americans.

Applications are due by close of business on Wednesday, November 3.

Here is the official announcement:

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants to serve on its volunteer advisory council. The council provides NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries with advice and recommendations on the management of the sanctuary.

The Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory council is composed of 19 members who represent a variety of community interests, including fishing, diving, conservation, science, education, state agencies, federal agencies, and the public-at-large. The sanctuary is currently seeking applicants for the following seats and terms:

• Sport Fishing, 3-year term • Citizen-At-Large, 2-year term • Sport Diving, 3-year term • Conservation, 3-year term • Research (non-living resources), 3-year term

Applicants do not necessarily need prior first-hand experience within the sanctuary, but they should be very familiar with their constituents' regional interests and how they relate to, or benefit, the management of Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Anyone with the desire and ability to effectively represent their respective community’s interest in the management of the sanctuary is encouraged to apply, regardless of the applicant's geographic location within the region.

Applications are due by Nov 3, 2021. Applications received or postmarked after Nov. 3, 2021, will not be considered. For more information, including a copy of the application, please visit the Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council recruitment webpage at graysreef.noaa.gov/management/sac/council_news.html or contact Scott Kathey, Advisory Council Coordinator at scott. kathey@noaa.gov or (912) 598-2381.

The Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council actively recruits for new members when positions are available. Check our website frequently for updates on how you can help manage your underwater treasures at Gray's Reef.

Thank you for considering Gray’s Reef! We know your time and experience are valuable.

For Information contact Michelle Riley: michelle.riley@noaa.gov

These seafloor sensors are an example of non-living resources, which is one of the open Advisory Council seats. Photo by Greg McFall, NOAA