DAUGHTRY TO LEAD SANCTUARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Superintendent Sarah Fangman presents at the June 18, 2024 meeting of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Photo: NOAA.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council elected a new chair and vice chair at its June 18, 2024 meeting in Marathon, while also welcoming five new members. Ben Daughtry, CEO of Marathon’s Aquarium Encounters, was elected chair of the council after serving the last four years as vice chair. Daughtry is a voting member of the council in the Conservation and Environment seat.

“I admire how active Ben Daughtry is in the community,” said sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman. “Whatever he gets involved with, he’s willing to step up and make a difference.”

The gavel was passed to Daughtry by Marathon City Manager George Garrett, who served as chair for the last four years. “I’ve known and worked with George well before in this position and consider him a friend,” said Fangman. “I admire him greatly, and am pleased he will continue in his new council role as representative of the City of Marathon.”

Dr. Erinn Muller, Associate Vice President of Research for Mote Marine Laboratory, was elected vice chair. Dr. Muller sits on the council in the Research and Monitoring seat. The council represents a variety of user groups, serving as a liaison between the sanctuary and the community and also advising the superintendent. New members welcomed to the council include:

Citizen at Large

Middle Keys:

Kelly McKinnon, Executive Director, Pigeon Key Foundation

Lower Keys Alternate:

Allison Delashmit, Executive Director, Lower Keys Guides Association

Diving

Upper Keys Alternate:

Rachel Bowman, Commercial Fisher

Lower Keys Alternate:

Kim Roney, Owner, Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center

Fishing

Charter Flats:

Richard Black, Flats Captain