The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking people to give advice about a proposed national marine sanctuary in Lake Erie adjacent to Erie County.
The council would include representatives from various user groups, such as fishing, diving, economic development, education, maritime heritage and the public at large. Known as a pre-designation Sanctuary Advisory Council, it would provide recommendations to NOAA on the proposed designation and operation of the Lake Erie National Marine Sanctuary. Council members would also act as liaisons to their communities, according to NOAA.
What is a national marine sanctuary?
National marine sanctuaries are underwater parks, according to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. There are 15 so far and another five have been proposed.
Adding a sanctuary in the Pennsylvania portion of Lake Erie would enable NOAA to protect the region’s maritime heritage resources, including a nationally significant collection of shipwrecks, according to the agency.
Where is the proposed Lake Erie sanctuary?
The marine sanctuary, sometimes referred to as the Lake Erie Quadrangle, would encompass about 740 square miles of Pennsylvania's Lake Erie waters, from about 75 miles of shoreline along Erie County to the Canadian border in the lake. The nomination proposes to exclude the Port of Erie from the sanctuary boundaries.
From 2023:NOAA wants public comment on proposed Lake Erie Quadrangle National Marine Sanctuary
Who can serve on the council?
NOAA is seeking 15 voting members, two non-voting members and 17 alternates to serve three-year terms.
Two voting members and two alternates would represent citizens at large. Another four ― two members and two alternates ― would represent history, maritime heritage and public interpretation.
Areas each having one member and one alternate would be commercial/charter fishing; divers, dive clubs and archaeology; economic development; K-12 education; higher education; historically underserved populations; maritime industry; outdoor recreation; recreational fishing; research, science and technology; and tourism and marketing.
Youth ages 14 to 17 would fill two non-voting member seats and two alternate seats.
Ranking high:Lake Erie is the greatest lake, according to USA Today voters
How to apply
Webinars to explain the roles and responsibilities of council members will be held July 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/noaawebinar1 and https://bit.ly/noaawebinar2.
Applications, which are due Aug. 28, are available at sanctuaries.noaa.gov or by contacting Honey Stempka at honey.stempka@noaa.gov or 301-569-2746.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.
Local Pennsylvania State
Most Popular
Comments / 0