The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants to fill eight primary seats and eight alternate seats on its advisory council.

For the first time, the council has a nonvoting youth/student seat and alternate seat to represent youths 14 to 17 years old.

“;The interest and enthusiasm of youth under the age of 18 is very important to the sanctuary,”; according to a news release. “;These students are our future generation of ocean stewards and leaders.”;

The council represents public interest in sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent and state co-manager on resource protection, research, education and outreach programs.

Current issues include ocean acidification, protection of culturally and biologically important areas, response and rescue efforts for marine animals, vessel-whale collisions, proposed development activities within sanctuary waters and planning to engage communities and seek public input during the review and revision process for the sanctuary's management plan.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for primary and alternate seats representing native Hawaiians, fishing, education, research and Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties.

Candidates will be selected based on their experience and expertise, community and professional affiliations and views regarding protection and management of marine resources.

Jan. 31 is the application deadline. To receive an application kit or obtain more information, contact council coordinator Joe Paulin via e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), at 397-2651, ext. 257, or visit the Web site hawaiihumpbackwhale. noaa.gov.

Applications should be submitted to Joe Paulin, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite 301, Honolulu, HI 96825.