NOAA selects members to new advisory committee to advance area-based conservation

Today, NOAA announced the selection of 20 members to serve on the inaugural Marine and Coastal Area-based Management Advisory Committee that will advise agency leadership on science-based approaches to area-based protection, conservation, restoration and management of coastal, Great Lakes and marine places.

NOAA has a wide range of responsibilities and authorities related to area-based management, including through the national marine sanctuary and national estuarine research reserve systems, and through fishery management areas. 

“Area-based management is a critical tool in the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to combat the climate crisis and invest in our coastal communities and industries,” said U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves. “These 20 members will lend essential perspectives and expertise to Commerce’s conservation and restoration efforts as we work towards achieving sustainable development, environmental justice and a clean energy future for America’s ocean and coasts.”

The committee will provide valuable advice on how NOAA’s area-based management activities can enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience and expand access to nature and the outdoors for underserved communities. The committee will also advise NOAA on implementation of the America the Beautiful initiative, which aims to conserve and restore the nation's public lands and waters. 

The committee's unique scope will help NOAA address all types of area-based management in coastal and marine areas, including sites that are managed under different authorities and for different purposes, such as national marine sanctuaries, national estuarine research reserves and areas for fisheries management.

Committee members reflect diverse perspectives and expertise in key areas, including:

• Resource management for coastal, marine and Great Lakes areas.
• Commercial and recreational fishing, marine industries, recreation and tourism.
• Study of the structure, function, human use and management of coastal and ocean ecosystems. 

The selected Committee members also represent tribal and Indigenous communities, conservation, philanthropic and non-governmental organizations, and organizations focusing on youth engagement, education, outreach and environmental justice.

“NOAA is pleased to welcome committee members with a wide range of perspectives and expertise — from science, policy, advocacy and industry – and including tribal and Indigenous leaders,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “Effective management of special coastal, Great Lakes and marine areas – and the communities that rely on them — will benefit from their input and advice.”

To provide for staggered membership to ensure continuity, half of the members are appointed to a two-year term (renewable once) and half are appointed to a four-year, non-renewable term, with terms beginning at the committee’s first meeting.The following individuals will serve on the committee:

• Peter Auster, senior research scientist and research professor emeritus, Mystic Aquarium, University of Connecticut (two-year term).
• Linda Behnken, executive director, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association; Acting Director, Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (four-year term).
• Jessica Coakley, fishery management specialist, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (two-year term).
• Jenn Eckerle, deputy secretary for oceans and coastal policy, California Natural Resources Agency; executive director, California Ocean Protection Council (four-year term).
• Deanna Erickson, reserve director, Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (four-year term).
• Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, associate professor and senior researcher, Department of Integrative Biology for Oregon State University (four-year term).
• Martha Guyas, Southeast fisheries policy director, American Sportfishing Association (four-year term).
• Heather Hall, intergovernmental ocean policy manager, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (two-year term).
• Mark Hodor, senior legal counsel, Shell USA Inc., Safety, Environment, and Asset Management (two-year term).
• Jaime Jahncke, director, California Current Group, Point Blue Conservation Science (two- year term).
• Amy Kenney, executive director, National Ocean Protection Coalition (four-year term).
• Aaron Kornbluth, owner, Akorn Environmental Consulting (two-year term).
• Stephanie Mathes, director of special initiatives, The Corps Network (two-year term).
• Joseph Oatman, deputy program manager and harvest director, Nez Perce Tribe (four-year term).
• Eric Reid, chairman, New England Fisheries Management Council (four-year term).
• Donald Schug, socioeconomic analyst, Northern Economics, Inc. (two-year term).
• Tracey Smart, senior marine scientist, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (two-year term).
• Helen Smith, policy advocate, Creation Justice Ministries (two-year term).
• Peter Stauffer, ocean protection manager, Surfrider Foundation (four-year term).
• Angelo Villagomez, senior fellow, Energy and Environment, Center for American Progress (two-year term).

For more information, please visit the Marine and Coastal Area-based Management Advisory Committee website.