Volunteer sought for
whale program council

Star-Bulletin staff

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary program is seeking a volunteer alternate research representative to serve on its advisory council.

The candidate must have a marine science research background, preferably with humpback whales.

The individual will serve without pay but will be provided airfare to attend meetings, which are held on Oahu and the neighbor islands. The organization's advisory council meetings are held once every two months. Hawaii residents are preferred.

The Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations to the Hawaii sanctuary manager on management issues and funding opportunities.

The whale sanctuary program, which protects humpback whales through education and research, operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"This is one way to be involved in the sanctuary's decisions and funding strategies," said Allen Tom, sanctuary manager.

The advisory council is made up of 10 governmental and 15 nongovernmental representatives. Nongovernmental representatives include one member from each county and represent business, commercial shipping, conservation, education, fishing, native Hawaiian, ocean recreation, research, tourism, whale watching and citizen interests.

Applications are available by contacting the sanctuary office at 397-2751.

The deadline for applications is June 30.