Whales and Tuna Gear The sanctuary, NOAA Fisheries and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement are working together to alert tuna fishermen that hooking and/or harassing whales are violations of federal law that can incur penalties. Click here to see a copy of an advertisement that appeared in "On the Water" magazine. Click here to see images of recent incidents where tuna gear has hooked whales or tuna fishing practices may have harassed animals.

Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting
The next Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2010 at NOAA Fisheries in Gloucester, MA. from 9 AM to 3 PM. Click here for Agenda. Click here for updated Charter Amendment.

Right Whale Advisory Northeast Fisheries Sighting Advisory System Latest Sightings STELLWAGEN ALIVE is a nonprofit public benefit corporation whose goals are to increase awareness of SBNMS.
		Dave Wiley Awarded Highest Honorary Gold Medal Award from the Secretary of Commerce Dave Wiley, research coordinator for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, has been awarded a Gold Medal by the Secretary of Commerce for his leadership in designing and implementing innovative research projects to protect endangered whales in and around the sanctuary. The Gold Medal is the Commerce Department’s highest honorary award, presented annually for distinguished performance in support of the department’s critical objectives. Click here for press release.
		Sanctuary Management Plan in Development The sanctuary is now in the process of developing its Final Management Plan. Click here to view the Draft Management Plan and the collected public comments. Click here for a short guide to the plan.
		Sanctuary Advisory Council Leadership Award 2009 The annual Stellwagen Advisory Council Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary during the 2009 calendar year. Click here for the nomination form.
		Video Honored with National Awards The sanctuary’s new informational video "Stellwagen Bank: A Sanctuary Worth Protecting" has received several prestigious awards. It was named a finalist in the short program category in the 2009 Blue Ocean Film Festival and received three bronze Telly Awards for Education, Nature/Wildlife, and Social Issues. "Tellies" recognize excellence in local, regional and cable TV shows, commercials and non-broadcast programs. Click here to view the award-winning video.
		Congratulations to Jennifer Ferre Jennifer Ferre was SBNMS's 2009 nominee for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Volunteer of the Year Award. The Foundation honored a volunteer from each sanctuary, whose enthusiasm and diligence have contributed so much to our National Marine Sanctuary Program and to ocean preservation in general.
		News Updated January 19, 2010