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; 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