§1445a Advisory Councils

Summary

The Secretary may create one or more advisory councils to give advice and recommendations about naming and managing national marine sanctuaries. These councils are exempt from chapter 10 of title 5. Members can come from three groups: federal or state natural resource experts, members of regional fishery management councils, and people representing local users, conservation and public interest groups, scientific or educational organizations, or others interested in protecting and using sanctuary resources. For sanctuaries designated after November 4, 1992, each council can have no more than 15 members. The Secretary can provide staff, information, and other help the council needs. Council meetings must be open to the public, allow oral or written comments on agenda items, permit emergency meetings called by the chair, give timely notice locally and in the Federal Register (except for councils advising on a single sanctuary), and keep minutes listing attendees and topics discussed.