[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2391-2392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-747]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Availability of Seats for the Gray's Reef National Marine 
Sanctuary Advisory Council

AGENCY: National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP), National Ocean 
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS or Sanctuary) 
is seeking applicants for the following newly-created and three vacant 
seats on its Sanctuary Adivsory Council (Council): Charter/commercial 
(for profit) Fishing (charter and commercial fishers), Sport Fishing 
(recreational hook-and-line and spear fishers), Sport Diving (divers, 
dive operators, dive clubs, and dive shops), and Regional Conservation. 
Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and 
experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; 
community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the 
protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length 
of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are 
chosen as members should expect to serve 3-year terms, pursuant to the 
Council's Charter.

DATES: Applications are due by February 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Application information may be obtained from Becky 
Shortland, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, Georgia 31406; telephone 
(912) 598-2381; e-mail [email protected]. Letters of application 
should be sent to the attention of GRNMS Manager, Reed Bohne at the 
same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Becky Shortland, 10 Ocean Science 
Circle, Savannah, Georgia 31406; telephone (912) 598-2381; e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GRNMS is one of the largest nearshore live-
bottom reefs off the southeastern United States, encompassing 
approximately 17 square nautical miles. The area earned sanctuary 
designation in 1981. The sanctuary consists of a series of sandstone 
outcroppings and ledges up to 10 feet in height, in a predominantly 
sandy, flat-bottomed sea floor. The live bottom and ledge habitat 
support an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead 
sea turtles, a threatened species, also use GRNMS year-round for 
foraging and resting, and the reef is within the known winter calving 
ground for the highly endangered Northern right whale.
    The GRNMS Advisory Council was established in August 1999 to 
provide advice and recommendations on management and protection of the 
sanctuary. The Council, through its members, also serves as liaison to 
the community regarding sanctuary issues, and represents community 
interests,

[[Page 2392]]

concerns, and management needs to the sanctuary and NOAA.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. sections 1431, et seq.

(Federal Domestic Assistance Catalog Number 11.429 Marine Sanctuary 
Program)

    Dated: January 3, 2005.
Daniel J. Basta,
Director, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Ocean Services, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-747 Filed 1-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-M