Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary encompasses an area larger than Yellowstone National Park. With a shoreline length of 276 miles and more than 6,000 square miles of ocean, safeguarding the sanctuary resources and marine ecosystems while also promoting public use is critical for maintaining a healthy environment for everyone to enjoy. You might ask how a sanctuary that large is managed.
The sanctuary has research, education and resource protection staff, and, like the other 16 national marine sanctuaries, also has a Sanctuary Advisory Council. Tony Elliot, recreation seat for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council, reflects on the importance of community connections with the environment. “It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Sanctuary Advisory Council,” he says.
“Recreation is at the heart of how millions of people experience and interact with the marine sanctuary. This connection has a unique way of inspiring a love for the Monterey Bay region and ultimately fostering a spirit of care and stewardship for this special place.” The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council is made up of up 14 seats, representing the diversity of community interests adjacent to the sanctuary (e.
g. recreational fishing, agriculture and local colleagues). Another seven seats represent agencies such as the U.
S. Coast Guard. Established in 1994, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council was established to promote public participation in management of the sanctuary.
Councilmembers are able to represent the voices of public and community interests at quarterly meetings. Jenny McAdams, who holds an at-large Monterey seat, explains. “Being on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is crucial for safeguarding marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the protection and preservation of this vital marine environment for future generations.
It also provides a platform for community engagement, education and collaboration in environmental stewardship.” This is exemplified through the advisory council’s work. Some recent council accomplishments include recommending in 2023 that the Monterey Bay sanctuary join the Vessel Speed Reduction Program developed by Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank and Channel Islands national marine sanctuaries requesting and incentivizing large vessels to seasonally reduce their speed while transiting sanctuary waters to reduce lethal collisions with migrating whales.
In May 2024, the advisory council forwarded timely recommendations to sanctuary management related to conserving our iconic kelp forests. Other community recommendations centered on the solutions for grounded or sunken vessels, diversifying the advisory council’s representation and the sanctuary’s 2021 Management Plan. Community recommendations are possible because of councilmembers’ diverse experiences and perspectives working toward a common goal.
“I enjoy being a council member because it’s important that as a community member and as a professional I understand how large-scale conservation policies are made, and how my experience and expertise can help guide and shape those decisions, for my local community and beyond,” Marina Maze, tourism seat, says. Advisory council participation yields impactful results for sanctuary conservation and management while providing an opportunity for different communities to come together and share their passion for the marine environment. “In my short time being involved with the council, I have found the overall experience to be eye-opening!” says Robbin Porter, Sanctuary Advisory Council coordinator.
“It’s great to see the various community groups working together towards a common goal of preserving this beautiful area for everyone to enjoy.” Whether you can commit to representing a community’s voice, or want to dedicate some of your ocean passion, participating in your local sanctuary’s advisory council is a way to pitch in! Annually, in late August, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary solicits applications to fill expiring advisory council seats. If you are interested in learning more about the council and the application process, please contact robbin.
[email protected]. Superintendent Lisa Wooninck and her staff at NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary conduct research, education and resource protection in one of most biodiverse marine protected areas in the world.
Learn about new and exciting stories by the sanctuary within these articles. Lisa can be reached at lisa.wooninck@noaa.
gov. To learn more about the sanctuary, visit montereybay.noaa.
gov..
