Reef Awareness Week 2005

Reef Relief invites you to join us in the Florida Keys for our annual Reef Awareness Week activities to be held July 24--30th , 2005.� Our theme is “Protect Endangered Coral Reefs” to recognize the effort underway to secure additional protection for Elkhorn and Staghorn corals.� Key events will be the Annual Reef Relief Membership Meeting set for Tuesday, July 26 at 5pm in Key West (location to be provided soon).� Also, don't miss our gala Jewel of the Sea Reef Ball, Saturday, July 30.� More to come soon....check back!�

Previous Reef Awareness Week (2004)

Reef Awareness Week, Reef Relief�s annual celebration of coral reefs, was held the week of July 25--31st in the Florida Keys and online at www.reefrelief.org. It coincided with Lobster Sport Days in the Florida Keys, offering visitors and residents tips for protecting the area's coral reefs during the annual influx of underwater hunters.

Click here to read the 2004 Reef Awareness Tips.

Click here to view pictures of past Reef Awareness Week events.

Sunday, July 25:

8 pm Reef Awareness Film "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef", a 1953 classic starring Robert Wagner, hoted by the Key West Film Society, 416 Eaton Street, Key West.� Chocolate and champagne reception to follow. Admission $10 for KWFS members; other $15.

Monday, July 26:

5:30–7:30 pm� No Discharge Zone Workshop– Boaters, marina owners & the general public invited to learn about holding tank installations, grants for installing pumpout facilities, and more. Marathon Government Center, BOCC Conference Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon Fl. Info: (305) 289-2812

Tuesday, July 27:

9:30 pm–2:00 pm Key West National Wildlife Refuge Tour sponsored by Danger Charters aboard 40' Classic Motor Yacht Roamer.� Snorkeling, kayaking, beer, wine, snacks and gear. $60.00 per person (discounted $20).� Call 296-3272 for reservations.� All proceeds benefit Reef Relief.

5pm� Annual Reef Relief Membership Meeting. Caribe Ballroom, hosted by the Wyndham Reach Resort, featuring Craig Quirolo’s annual State of the Reef Address.� Social and program.� Members admitted free–please bring a guest--join at the door for a minimum of $30/year. Foot of Simonton Street in Key West.

Wednesday, July 28:

10:00 am Family Day at the Reef: Visit Reef World and learn about coral reefs followed by an excursion to the reef aboard the Discovery Glassbottom Boat 11:30am–1:30 pm.� Cost is $32.25 adult, $17.20 children 7-11 yrs. Children 6 years and under free. Reserve at 293-0099.

Thursday, July 29:

10:00 am Family Day at the Reef: Visit Reef World and learn about coral reefs followed by an excursion to the reef aboard the Discovery Glassbottom Boat 11:30am–1:30 pm.� Cost is $32.25 adult, $17.20 children 7-11 yrs. Children 6 years and under free. Reserve at 293-0099.

7pm–7:30 pm: Reef Awareness Film Fest on Keys Television Channel 19 featuring Phantom Future, a film by George Sibley, Gale Force Films, and Floridians for a Sustainable Populations.

Friday, July 30:

7:15 pm: McGhee's Blue Moon Milemarker 1/2 Marathon Run for the Reef. Meet at Southernmost Point, corner South and Whitehead Streets, Key West. Registration $20.

Saturday, July 31:

7 pm Jewel of the Sea Reef Ball��� at the Sands Beach Club, oceanside end of Simonton Street.� Cocktail hour, hor d’ouerves, gourmet oceanfront dining, dancing in the sand to live Caribbean music, and a silent auction.� $80 per person by reservation.� Limited seating; reserve at Reef Relief. Click here for more details about the Ball.

All Week:�

9am–5pm

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Reef Relief’s Reef World� Learn all about coral reefs. Exhibits & activities on coral reefs, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. Featuring DVD Dive Back in Time. Historic Seaport, Foot of William Street, Key West. Free admission.

9am–5pm

Ecofriendly shopping at the �Reef Relief Gift Store, Historic Seaport, foot of William St, Key West.� Grateful Diver and Reef Relief apparel, books, toys. Open daily 9–5 Monday through Saturday.� Check out our online shop, too!

9:30am–5pm

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Reefs, Wrecks & Rascals Exhibit at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, 200 Greene Street. Admission Adults $10.00, Students $8.50, Children 12 and under $6.00.

Daily Reef Awareness Week conservation tips and daily schedule of events on local radio stations and newspapers.

�The Florida Keys is home to North America�s only coral barrier reef, and the most heavily-visited. Coral reefs are important for many reasons beyond the fact that they are home to more kinds of life than any other ocean environment. In the Florida Keys, the coral reefs are essential to our commercial fishing and tourism economy, they provide habitat for many endangered species, are a barrier to storm surge and improve quality of life by providing an ocean wilderness experience. Finding ways to keep our coral reefs alive and healthy is essential to our way of life.� noted DeeVon Quirolo, Reef Relief�s Executive Director. �Reef Awareness Week gives everyone an opportunity to get involved and learn more about our coral reefs.�

For more information or to get involved as a volunteer or a sponsor, contact Reef Relief at (305) 294-3100, or via email reef@bellsouth.net. Or drop by Reef Relief's Key West facilities that include Reef World, the Gift Shop, and headquarters at the Historic Seaport at the foot of William Street.

Public service announcements promoting Reef Awareness Week have been graciously provided by the following radio stations: