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: March 7, 2025

Applications are currently being sought for the following six advisory council seats:

• Chumash Community (alternate)
• Commercial Fishing (member)
• Education (member)
• Public at Large (alternate)
• Student Leadership (member & alternate)

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.

Background materials and an application form are provided here:

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

Completed applications can be submitted as follows:

Email (preferred) to: sandra.traverso@noaa.gov

Or by mail to:

For further information, please contact Sandra Traverso by email at sandra.traverso@noaa.gov.