We are seeking motivated candidates to apply for our Sanctuary Advisory Council at Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. During the Civil War, USS Monitor was our nation’s first ironclad ship. It launched on January 30, 1862, and on March 8, 1862, it fought against the Confederate’s ironclad, CSS Virginia. The two ironclads battled for four hours in what is known as the Battle of Hampton Roads. Although the battle was a draw, what did win that day was iron. Naval technology was forever changed. In late December of 1862, Monitor headed south to Beaufort, North Carolina, when a fierce storm came upon the ship causing it to sink. Tragically, sixteen men went down with the ship on that fateful New Year’s Eve. In 1973, the ship was discovered and in 1975, it became our nation’s first National Marine Sanctuary
As the first designated sanctuary in the National Marine Sanctuary system, Monitor has relied on its Sanctuary Advisory Council to ensure public input to help in sanctuary management. However, one of the most important roles of the council is to help connect people and communities to the sanctuary. Therefore, we are currently seeking highly energetic and engaged people to fill 10 community voting seats, each having a member and alternate, for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. So, whether someone is interested in maritime history, a nature lover, a fisherman, an educator, or simply enjoys recreating outdoors, we have a seat for them!
We are currently accepting applications to fill the following seats for both member and alternate who would serve a three-year term:
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Maritime History and Archaeological Science
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Heritage Tourism (NC)
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Heritage Tourism (VA)
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Education (K-12)
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Education (Higher)
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Cultural Engagement
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Recreational/Commercial Fishing
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Recreational Diving Seat
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Ecological Sciences
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Military Community
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Youth Seat
Applications are due January 30, 2024
If you are interested in serving on the Sanctuary Advisory Council, please visit our website to learn more about the council and download an application kit. If you have any questions, you may contact Jessica.Frayser@noaa.gov.
In addition, please feel free to share this email to other potentially interested parties and on your listservs as appropriate. We appreciate your consideration and assistance in helping us to reach interested community members.
