ALPENA — NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for five primary and six alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for the following seats:

• Citizen-at-Large (primary and alternate)

• Education (Higher Education) (primary and alternate)

• Education (K-12) (alternate)

• Fishing (recreational, charter, and/or commercial) (primary and alternate)

• Maritime Industry/Business (primary and alternate)

• Tourism/Recreation (primary and alternate).

The application period is now open. Completed applications are due by May 1, 2026. Applications received or postmarked after May 1, will not be considered. To receive an application or for further information, please contact Jean Prevo via email at jean.prevo@noaa.gov; by phone at 989-906-6656; or by mail at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, MI 49707. Applications can also be downloaded from the sanctuary’s website at https://thunderbay.noaa.gov/involved/recruitment.html.

Applicants accepted as members should expect to serve a three-year term. The advisory council consists of 15 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups.