Application Form for Membership on a National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
02/20/2026
11/05/2024
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2029
36 Months From Approved
02/28/2026
900
0
750
900
0
750
450
0
188
This request is for revision and extension of this information collection. ONMS is proposing minor revisions to the 0648-0397 forms to better understand applicant motivations and to ensure consistency in applications by providing recommended lengths for responses. This information collection will remain unchanged, with the exception of the revisions noted below. 25% of the respondents may fax and mail their materials which makes the total annual cost to the public to $450.
Revisions: Apart from minor, non-substantive textual changes to update the application (e.g., changing order of sentences and reordering of questions) the following changes have been made.
â Updated instructions for completing both applications (youth and general) to include a recommended length for each question response to reduce the time burden associated with completing the application and to ensure consistency in answers.
â Moved previous question one, âHow did you hear about the opportunity to apply for this sanctuary advisory council seat?â to the end of the question section.
â Moved previous question four (question two in youth application), âWill you commit to participate in sanctuary advisory council activities (e.g., meetings, constituent outreach, retreats, chairing or participating on a subcommittee or working group, and reviewing written materials)?â to the second to last question.
â Removed previous question eight (question seven in youth application), âDescribe how you will work to ensure that diverse perspectives and underrepresented communities are represented through the Sanctuary Advisory Council.â
â Added the Privacy Act Statement.
â Modified the following questions and descriptions in the youth and general application:
â Will you commit to participate in sanctuary advisory council activities (e.g., meetings, constituent outreach, retreats, chairing or participating on a subcommittee or working group, and reviewing written materials)?
â One of the key roles of a sanctuary advisory council member is to serve as a liaison between the sanctuary and its community. Explain how you will coordinate with, consult with, and inform the members of the constituency you will represent (ex: a Research seat), if appointed to that seat (ex: for a Research seat, members of the sanctuaryâs research constituency). If you are applying for more than one seat, please provide responses for each constituency and be clear on which constituency you are referring to.
Section 315 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) (16 U.S.C. § 1445a) allows the Secretary of Commerce to establish one or more advisory councils (councils) to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary regarding the designation and management of national marine sanctuaries. Executive Order 13178 similarly established a Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Council pursuant to the NMSA for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. Councils are individually chartered for each site, or for the sanctuary system, to meet its specific needs. Once a council has been chartered, a sanctuary superintendent starts a process to recruit members for that council by providing notice to the public and requesting interested parties to apply for the available seat(s) (e.g., Research, Education) and position(s) (i.e., member or alternate). The information obtained through this application process will be used to determine the qualifications of the applicant for membership on the council.
US Code:
16 USC 1445a
Name of Law: National Marine Sanctuaries Act
There is an increased number of respondents due to the addition of new advisory councils. The burden hours have increased as a result of several new questions being added to the application.
The costs to the federal government increased for several reasons. First, due to the increased number of advisory councils, there is a direct increase in the cost of copying and postage. Second, a more accurate reflection of the government labor rate was used, rather than using a flat rate of $20/hour.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.