FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Scientists and Policy Makers Gather to Further Ocean Research

--Discussion focuses on promoting coordination to improve decision-making--

ST. PETERSBURG— The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gathered top marine scientists and resource managers from across the state in St. Petersburg to begin exchanging research and science information that will further ocean protection and marine resource management.

“Sound science provides the foundation for better understanding, managing and protecting the ocean environment,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Florida is ready to lead a national response that will establish a framework for the long-term protection of critical ocean and marine resources.”

Last spring, Governor Jeb Bush announced the Florida Oceans Initiative as the first comprehensive, coordinated approach to protecting water quality and marine habitat. The Initiative focuses Florida’s resources on four key areas of coastal protection -- closing the science gap to improve environmental management; establishing partnerships to enhance recreation, ecotourism and commerce; conserving and restoring critical ocean habitats; and enhancing stewardship through education.

Scientists and resource managers from Florida universities, non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies gathered to discuss issues ranging from current ocean management to linking science and resource management. DEP and FWC will take the groups recommendations and develop a continuing mechanism to ensure the best available science is informing management decisions.

Florida is home to 41 aquatic preserves, three of the nation’s 26 National Estuarine Research Reserves and one of the largest underwater refuges in the world. To further protect the near-shore waters of the Florida Keys, the state and federal governments designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as a “no discharge zone” and established the Tortugas Ecological Reserve -- one of the world’s largest marine reserves.

Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support a $53 billion tourism industry, a $14 billion marine industry and a fishing industry that injects more than $6.6 billion a year into Florida’s communities.

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