Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa will hold a public meeting of the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center on August 22nd, during which the council will receive national updates from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and local updates on the E/V Nautilus Expedition, Ocean Literacy Working Group’s recommendations, and partner agencies.

Local residents who want to comment on agenda items can add their names to the public comment sign-up sheet at the Ocean Center. Comments may be limited to three minutes per person, depending on time.

The deadline to submit a written copy of testimonies is Wednesday, August 21st and  may be emailed to <charity.porotesano@noaa.gov>

Established in 2005, the Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the Sanctuary. The council is composed of 11 government and 14 non-governmental representatives. Serving in a volunteer capacity, the council members represent a variety of local user groups, as well as the general public.

More information can be obtained by calling 633-6500.