CENTRAL COAST — NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applications to fill seven seats on its advisory council. The Sanctuary Advisory Council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice on sanctuary management.
The sanctuary is currently accepting applications for the following seats:
? Conservation (Primary, Alternate)
? Education (Alternate)
? Public at Large 1 & 2 (two Primary)
? Business (Primary, Alternate)
Candidates will be selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat(s) for which they apply, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of sanctuary resources. A video on the sanctuary’s website offers additional insight about the Advisory Council’s role: (Link here)
Applications are accepted through January 31, 2026. Application kits can be downloaded from the sanctuary’s website: https://channelislands.noaa.gov/sac/apply.html. For more information, please contact Sandra Traverso, by email at sandra.traverso@noaa.gov; by phone at (805) 364-2290; or by mail at NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Ocean Science Education Building 514, MC 6155, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106.
Selected applicants are encouraged to complete a 2.5-year volunteer term on the Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council consists of 24 members and alternates representing a variety of public interests. It also includes 20 governmental members and alternates representing federal, state, and county agencies.
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1980 to protect marine resources surrounding San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. The sanctuary spans approximately 1,470 square miles extending from island shorelines to six miles offshore, and encompasses a rich diversity of marine life, habitats, and historical and cultural resources.
The Advisory Council actively recruits new members and alternates when positions are available.
Check the sanctuary’s website for open application review periods and/or to request email notifications for when applications are being accepted.
NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: https://channelislands.noaa.gov/sac/
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov