NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary announced nine new primary members and nine alternate members to serve on its sanctuary advisory council. The new appointees bring a valuable range of experience to the council, which provides sanctuary staff with input and recommendations on sanctuary programs and management.

“The sanctuary advisory council is an important link between sanctuary management, user groups and communities,” said Allen Tom, Pacific Islands Regional Director for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “Through the council, the varied and diverse communities of Hawaii have a voice in helping the sanctuary manage its marine protected areas.” The newly appointed advisory council members are as follows, by position:

• Native Hawaiian: Trisha Kehau Watson, O’ahu; Malama Minn, O’ahu (alternate)
• Fishing: Philip Fernandez, Hawai’i; Robert Bruck, Maui (alternate)
• Education: Elizabeth Maynard Kumabe, O’ahu; Judith Lemus, O’ahu (alternate)
• Research: Adam Pack, Hawai’i; Jennifer Schultz, O’ahu (alternate)
• Honolulu County: Terry O’Halloran, O’ahu; Jennifer Barrett, O’ahu (alternate)
• Hawai’i County: Luana Howell, Hawai’I; Alex Scheftic, Hawai’i (alternate)
• Maui County: Robin Newbold, Maui; Cheryl Sterling, Maui (alternate)
• Kaua’i County: Sharon Pomroy, Kaua’i; James Yamamoto, Kaua’i (alternate)
• Youth Member: Gina McGuire, Hawai’i; La’akea Kaufman, Maui (alternate)

Established in 1996, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting humpback whales. The council is composed of 16 government and 16 non-governmental representatives. Serving in a volunteer capacity, the council members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public. Sanctuary advisory council primary and alternate members serve two-year terms and meet several times per year in public sessions.

“These new members are joining the advisory council at a crucial time,” Tom said. “Input from citizens, industry leaders, native Hawaiians, fishers, and others is critical as we start our management plan review process this fall.”

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is administered by a partnership between NOAA and the state of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands constitute one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov

On the Web: Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov