Urgent Action Needed!
Our Nation’s first National Ocean Policy was established by President Obama last year. This momentous action will help the US to protect, maintain, and restore our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes natural resources in to the future. Now, some members of Congress are attempting to stop implementation of the National Ocean Policy by cutting off all funding in the FY12 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
TAKE ACTION TODAY- Urge Congress to SUPPORT the National Ocean Policy and OPPOSE any attempts to restrict funding for its implementation.
Congress will vote on the cut this week, so contact your Representative today!
Source: Marine Conservation Institute Action Alert
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Final Week of Coral Camp
This is a unique opportunity for children 6-12 years of age to learn about coastal environments, the basics of ocean ecology, and threats facing the survival of these ecosystems. Coral Camp is an interactive nature-based summer camp. Camp activities are 8:30am – 4:30pm and include visits to NOAA’s Nancy Foster Eco-Discovery Center, the Key West Aquarium, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for snorkel school, Key West Wildlife Center and two days of snorkeling at the reef. The final week of Coral Camp, August 15th-19th, still has a few openings but it is filling up quickly. Don’t miss out, register now!
For more information contact at Reef Relief, 305-294-3100, [email protected], or visit the Reef Relief Environmental Center at 631 Greene St., Key West, FL
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Thanks From Reef Relief
We would like to recognize and thank our members, sponsors, and guests who attended Reef Relief’s 24th Annual Member Meeting at the Pier House on July 18th. The meeting highlighted ongoing Reef Relief programs and celebrated the many successes over the past year. Just a few of last year’s many accomplishments include: Reef Relief staff and volunteers removing nearly 3 tons marine debris from nearshore waters. The Discover Coral Reefs School Program was presented to over 800 3-4 grade students in Monroe County and in only the fourth year of Coral Camp, we were honored to be invited to present the camp at the National Marine Educators Conference in Boston. We also helped defeat legislation that would have retracted our progress to shut down the sewage outfalls in S. Florida, in turn protecting and preserving water quality within the Biscayne Aquifer supplying water to the Florida Keys. These accomplishments and many more are only made possible only through the support of Reef Relief members, partners, sponsors, foundations, and volunteers.
We would especially like to thank our guest presenters: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendant Sean Morton and the Southeast Regional Director of the National Marine Sanctuary Dr. Billy Causey for presenting this year’s State of the Reef Address; Chris Berg, Florida Keys Director of the Nature Conservancy for presenting TNC’s Reef Resiliency Program; Dr. David Vaughan of M.O.T.E. for presenting the latest Long-spined sea urchin research;and Reef Relief Scientific Advisor Dr. James Porter’s report on storm damaged Elkhorn Coral recovery.
Thanks, also, to the Pierhouse Resort and Spa, Margaritaville Café, Bobalu’s, Old Town Mexican Café, Turtle Kraals, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, Half Shell Raw Bar, Salsa Loca, Key West Cakes and Coles Peace Bakery for their generous donations.
Sincerely,
Millard McCleary
Program Director
Reef Relief
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Help Us Protect Coral Reefs
– Join by calling Reef Relief at 305-294-3100
– Mail your donation to: Reef Relief P.O. Box 430, Key West, FL 33040
– Or visit Reef Relief’s Environmental Center at 631 Greene St. in Key West
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