Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of 13 National Marine Sanctuaries and one Marine National Monument administered under the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Our local sanctuary is located between Cape Ann and Cape Cod at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay in the southwest corner of the Gulf of Maine. Its mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the biological diversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy of the sanctuary while facilitating compatible use.
For over 16 years, Creative Resources Group has helped produce outreach and exhibit materials for Stellwagen Bank sanctuary, assisting their team to better educate and inform as part of their mission. Some of our work includes the Telly Award winning educational video, “A Sanctuary Worth Protecting,” (Watch it here: http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/pgallery/movies/web_sbnms_worth_saving.wmv), museum exhibits in Gloucester and Provincetown, numerous brochures, newsletters, the Stellwagen Banknotes magazine, and more.
“Under provisions of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to establish Sanctuary Advisory Councils…The Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) is a community-based body that advises the Sanctuary Superintendent on issues relevant to the effective implementation of the Sanctuary Management Plan… Non-governmental members are selected to represent local user groups, conservation and other public interest organizations, scientific and educational organizations, or members of the public interested in the protection and multiple use management of Sanctuary resources.” (http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/management/sac/sachome.html)
Earlier this year, CRG President/Creative Director Charlie Rasak was proud to accept the nomination and appointment to the Sanctuary Advisory Council in the area of Business and Industry.
“We’ve worked with Stellwagen for many years,” he reflects. “And CRG has always provided audio production for Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings… So I’m very familiar with the sanctuary’s goals and all the challenges they face today.”
Rasak’s duties on the council will involve providing advice on how the sanctuary can better interact with the business community, serving as a sounding board on sanctuary outreach programs, and assisting in communicating sanctuary programs to the business community and public in general. And he admits that he cannot wait to get started. “This is a great opportunity to work with a group of people I know very well,” he says. “And it’s all in support of our local New England marine environment. I’m very excited about it, if you can’t tell!”
As published in the Stellwagen Bank E-Notes – March 2014:
Seven New Members Added to Sanctuary Advisory Council
Charlie Rasak (Business & Industry Alternate) – Charlie Rasak is the President, Co-Owner and Creative Director of Creative Resources Group in Plymouth, Mass. With more than 25 years in the industry, his experience encompasses a wide range of market segments, including broadcast, education, corporate, and government. Charlie works directly with clients, creating and integrating media strategies for customized solutions in all areas of communications. A seasoned veteran of film and commercial video production, he has produced commercials for various firms, including Fortune 500 companies and special projects for major television networks as well as profit and non-profit organizations.