The ocean is everything in the Florida Keys: playground, office and classroom. However, it is not an unlimited resource and the coral reef is facing unprecedented stress and strain from both local and global impacts.
To help local residents, anglers, divers and students better understand the marine world, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida Keys Community College will hold a Sanctuary Seminar Series "for Keys residents to stay informed about the important research occurring in their own 'backyard,' " sanctuary spokeswoman Karrie Carnes said. "This course will give students a greater appreciation of the dynamic, yet fragile nature of our marine environment and the importance of conserving it."
The two agencies will host a series of presentations on Tuesday evenings from Jan. 17 through Feb. 21. The presentations will be given by marine science experts on topics including coral reef restoration, fish- and lobster-tagging and maritime archaeology.
The speakers will be Todd Hitchins of the sanctuary, Alejandro Acosta of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Steven Miller of NOVA Southeastern University, Corey Malcom of the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, John Hunt of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Dave Vaughan of Mote Marine Laboratory.
Vaughan will discuss one of the most important creatures in the Keys, the reef itself. The reef is a living animal that provides habitat for thousands of species of fish and sea creatures. He will speak about Mote and other groups working to grow and replant coral colonies.
About 25 percent of the world's corals have died in the past 25 to 30 years and another 25 percent are in danger of being wiped out in the next 25 to 30 years, Vaughan said.
"All of the fish we like to see and catch rely on the reef for habitat," Vaughan said. "All of these fish are in peril. The reef also provides the Keys with a protective barrier from storms."
Presentations will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday starting Jan. 17 in the conference room of the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center at 35 East Quay Road, Key West. Registration is $19. To register, contact FKCC's continuing education department at 305-809-3185. Organizers are asking people to register soon, as space is limited.
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