florida keys ocean festival 2015
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
April 4, 2015 • Truman Waterfront
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
• Complete Marine Construction
• Docks
• Seawalls
• Vinyl Sheets
• Dredging
• Boulder Walls
• House Foundations
305-289-9393www.marathonseawallsanddocks.com
MARATHONSEAWALLS & DOCKS
LIC # ENG II 300C
REMODELREDESIGNREFURNISH
KEY LARGO | MARATHON | KEY WEST 305.451.5700 305.743.4397 305.295.6400
your keys home
furniture
interior design
remodels
painting
flooring
window treatments
kitchens
baths
All work performed by LOCAL, LICENSED & INSURED contractors.
Let me help you make your Keys home beautiful with the latest in design, furni-ture, and accessories... or even a remodel!
I can’t wait to help you with your Keys design project!
CHRISTOPHER ELWELL
FURNITURE AND
www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com
cabinets | countertops | flooring | fixturesKITCHEN & BATH SPECIALISTS
Stunning design. Worry-free installation. Amazing results!
Get started today!
ROYAL does it all!
4 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
2396 Overseas Highway. MM 48.5 (Gulf ), Marathon FL
www.turtlehospital.org
Est. 1986
Rehabilitation • Research • Release
Planet Earth’s leading sea turtle research and rehabilitation facility
Education Center opendaily from 9a - 6p Limited space, call
(305) 743-2552 for reservations
PROTECT OUR REEFS!PROTECT OUR REEFS!
Snorkel on over to
www.reefplate.com
Help protect, save, and restore our Coral Reefs...buy the Protect our Reefs plate to
help ensure the future of our oceans.
100% of the annual $25 donation from the purchase of each Protect Our Reefs license goes to Mote’s coral reef restoration and research
programs. Since 2014 this Protect Our Reefs plate has generated more than $10.4 million to help restore our reefs in the Keys.
On Saturday, April 4, MOTE Marine will celebrate the Keys marine environment with the sixth annual Florida Keys Ocean Festival. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. is held at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery center on the Truman Waterfront in Key West. It’s a joyful celebration of the water (on land), including activities and games for kids, educational booths, a 5k “Tuna Trot” and the opportunity to learn a little more about what we do.
At MOTE Marine Laboratory, we consider ourselves scientists, explorers and stewards of the ocean. Driven by research, education and excitement we work to create a better environment for ourselves and our children. The answers are in the ocean. Together, we will find them.
We are an independent marine research institution comprised of world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education.
From our humble beginnings in a tiny shed in a small Florida town, our efforts have expanded to include five facilities. The MOTE research facilities in the Florida Keys are approximately 50 years old and are in desperate need of repair. A new $5.2 million LEED certified research facility with advanced labs and much needed dormitories is set to break ground January of 2016 but the non-profit needs investors. To get involved go to mote.org or call Campaign Director Jennifer Vigne at the Sarasota branch at 941-388-4441.
Originally focused on sharks, our research has expanded to include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment. Our research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.
The ocean is our passion. And science is our catalyst to help our oceans heal, thrive and continue to be havens of sustainable life, life-improving science and life-giving solutions.
— Michael P. Crosby,President and CEO/MOTE Marine Laboratories
The ocean is our passion
5keysweekly.com
Published MMXV
The Weekly Newspapers11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 201Marathon, FL. 33050P. 305-743-0844 | F. 305-743-0866Key West office5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5Key West, FL. 33040P. 305-453-6928 | F. 305-743-0866www.keysweekly.com
About this issue
PublisherJason [email protected]
Managing PartnerBritt [email protected]
EditorSara [email protected]
Director of Sales/MarketingLesley [email protected]
Account ExecutivesRosario [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Staff WritersAlex [email protected] [email protected]
Art/DesignTravis [email protected] [email protected]
Do’s AnD Don’TsLeave the reef better than you found it
Sea ScienceMOTE revolutionizesCoral-growing technique
RemembeRedLate Dr. Eugenie Clarkfounded MOTE institute
ExpEriEncE ThE ExhibiTs Eco-Discovery Centerillustrates Keys’ underwater life
LEArning pArTnErshipMOTE and local collegeto work together
EvEnT MApFind your way aroundOcean Fest on April 4
going ForWArDAgency, scientists writeplan to save the corals
cELEbriTyMarine artist Wylandwill attend Ocean Festival
in ThE FiELDVeterans, teens team upto plant coral bed
EvEnT schEDuLEPlan for workshops,art auctions and music
conTenTs
8
10 24
26
28
30
12
14
18
22
The Weekly would like to extend special thanks to the following for their help on this magazine: Jason Wolf, Roberta DePiero, Rachel Pawlitz, Amber Ernst-Leonard and Hayley Rutger.
6 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
800-544-3030 • 305-296-7711 • www.galleonresort.com • 617 Front Street Key West, FL
Proud supporters of coral reef restoration programs at Mote in the Florida Keys
With over 30 years of service. The Galleon Resort and Marina will make your vacation a cherished memory.
Luxury Resort & Marina Accommodations • Spacious 3 bedroom penthouses • 2 bedroom 2 bath suites • King studios
Family Owned& Operated
got brick? • commercial retaining walls• installation • repairs
(305) 304-3966 (305) 304-9232east of the 7-Mile Bridgewest of the 7-Mile BridgeLicense
#SP3573
Check us out at www.paverdaveinc.com
Locally owned, operated and proudly serving the Florida Keys since 2005.
7keysweekly.com
8 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
littlepalmisland.com | 1.800.3.GET.LOST | Little Torch Key, Floridalittlepalmisland.com | 1.800.3.GET.LOST | Little Torch Key, Florida
Discover one of the world’s best resorts as recognized by Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure.
ThinkGreen
Monroe County’s leading environment
services provider and proud support of Mote Marine and the Ocean Festival.
Keep your recycling clean, dry and recycle plastic bags at the grocery store.
· Never touch corals with your hands, dive fins, or anything else.· Do not actively seek out interaction with dolphins, sharks or sea turtles.· Do not stand on a coral reef or coral head as you will damage it or kill the corals.· Never anchor your boat on or too near coral reefs or coral heads as you can easily cause damage.· Don’t fish or spearfish in marine special protected reef areas.· Never attempt to feed fish or marine animals.· Do not stray too far from your boat while snorkeling or diving.· Never litter in the ocean or leave anything behind that may harm the marine environment.
reef Do’s & Dont’s
Do’s
Dont’s
· Always dive or snorkel with a partner or dive buddy.· Move slowly and look closely; there’s so much life to see if you take your time.· Always look at your navigation charts before you near a coral reef.· Use mooring balls instead of anchoring the boat.· Watch the weather and get a weather or radar report before leaving the dock.· Be aware of currents, tides, and waves when nearing sensitive coral reef areas.· Make sure your dive and snorkel equipment is in good working order.· Pick up floating trash you see in the water; always leave things better than you found them.· Enjoy the natural beauty of our undersea reef environment. It’s truly amazing out there.
DIVE TODAY ages 8+WITHOUT EXPERIENCE OR CERTIFICATION
Enjoy breathing underwater without time consuming pool training or the need for heavy equipment in the water. Our instructors will give you a thorough orientation before you arrive at one of our beautiful reefs and they will
accompany you while you are in the water. Whether you live here in the Keys or you have friends/family visiting, SNUBA® is great for the whole family, ages 8 and up. We also train all levels of scuba certifications,
starting with Open Water at age 10. Combination trips of SNUBA®, Scuba, Freedivers and Riders are run twice daily at both of our locations. Call today for your reservation.
Tilden’s Scuba Center4650 Overseas Hwy 49.5mmNext to Hurricane Bar & Grill(305) 743-7255 Dive Duck Key61 Hawks Cay Blvd. 61mmHawks Cay Resort & Marina(305) 743-9633
2 GREAT LOCATIONS NEAR YOU!
AIR FILLSNITROXHYDROSREPAIRRETAIL
SNUBA® SCUBASNORKELRENTALSSPEARFISHLOBSTER
10 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Dr. David Vaughan is saving the reef one piece of coral at a time. He and his colleagues have developed a way to make corals grow 20-45 times faster than they do in nature.
“When I explain what we are doing here at MOTE to other scientists they don’t believe me. They have to come and see for themselves,” Dr. Vaughan said.
Most recently Vaughan and his team discovered that cutting brain coral will make it grow faster. In addition, by spacing the slivers of coral, they will grow together, like skin repairing itself after a wound. Forty years of natural growth in the wild can be replicated in one year at MOTE Marine Laboratory on Summerland Key.
Vaughan became involved with saving coral through Philippe Cousteau, grandson of marine activist and star Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Prior to splicing coral with MOTE Vaughan was cultivating coral for a business called Ocean, Reefs and Aquariums (ORA), which
produces aquaculture saltwater fish, invertebrates, plants and live aquarium foods for the marine aquarium hobby.
“Philippe shook his head and said, ‘If you can do this with coral in an aquarium, why don’t you do this for the reef?’ A light went on in my head,” Vaughan said.
MoTe is growing coraL To save Marine habiTaTNew lab method is faster than natural growth
He and Philippe started the coral restoration initiative shortly after that in Harbor Branch, Florida. Unfortunately Hurricane Francis and Hurricane Jeanne destroyed all their coral spores in 2004, but Vaughan did not give up.
Philippe moved to Washington D.C. to start EarthEcho International, a leading non-profit environmental education organization that leverages the power of adventure to reignite STEM education for a new generation. Meanwhile Vaughan got a gig with MOTE to figure out how to save the reef.
First he discovered how to farm elkhorn and staghorn coral off of PVC trees underwater; then found a way to grow brain and mountain corals, the foundation for the reef. Now there is an educational reef in Newfound Harbor Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (off Little Palm Island) made of coral grown by MOTE. Within the next few years Vaughan hopes to spread his knowledge of cultivating coral across the globe. Currently MOTE is the only organization growing coral to be replanted according to Vaughan.
By Alex Press
When I explain what we are doing here at MOTE to other scientists they don’t believe me.
AboveAt MOTE’s laboratories Dr. Vaughan has developed techniques to grow coral 25-40 times faster.
11keysweekly.com
fish pics, fish plaques, fish
fossils, signs, humidors, jewelry
boxes, certificates, awards and more
f REBER WOODWORK
81650 Overseas Hwy, MM 81.6 – Bayside, Islamorada • www.bjroyster.com
Paintings, Prints, Gifts & Jewelry
12 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Blazing trails for women in science; inspiring generations of people from ocean experts to school children; swimming with sharks to learn about them; and founding a world-class marine laboratory that turned 60 in 2015 — this is a snapshot of the life and legacy of Dr. Eugenie Clark.
“Genie” Clark — the famous “Shark Lady” who founded MOTE Marine Laboratory in Southwest Florida — died at age 92 on Feb. 25, in the company of family at her home in Sarasota, due to complications from the lung cancer she had battled for years. She undertook her last ocean dives in 2014, and her latest research was in review for publication when she passed away.
Clark, an ichthyologist, was a world authority on fishes — particularly sharks and tropical sand fishes. A courageous diver and explorer, Clark conducted 72 submersible dives as deep as 12,000 feet and led over 200 field research expeditions to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, Caribbean, Mexico, Japan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Indonesia and Borneo to study sand fishes, whale sharks, deep sea sharks and spotted oceanic triggerfish. She wrote three books and more than 175 articles, including research publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Science and a dozen popular stories in National Geographic magazine.
In 1955, Clark started the one-room Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, FL., with her fisherman assistant and with philanthropic support and hearty encouragement from the Vanderbilt family. The Lab thrived in partnership with its community and became Mote Marine Laboratory in 1967 to honor major benefactor William R. Mote. Today the Lab is based on City Island, Sarasota, and it hosts 24 diverse marine research and conservation programs, education programs for all ages and a major public Aquarium. The Lab has six campuses in Florida and more than 200 staff, including scientists who work in oceans surrounding all seven continents. Clark joined the Zoology faculty at the University of Maryland in 1968, and she officially retired in 1992. She returned to MOTE in 2000 as Senior Scientist and Director Emerita and later became a Trustee. There, she continued to build upon and champion the groundbreaking research that she started 60 years ago. After carrying out a distinguished career spanning almost 75 years, raising four children and inspiring countless scientists, students and others, Clark will be remembered for her legacy of amazing discoveries and their ripple effects around the world. “There was absolutely no one like Genie Clark,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of MOTE. “Her fascination with fishes and dedication to research changed marine science forever.”
Dr. Eugenie Clark left her mark
reMeMbering The shark LaDy
Dr. Eugenie has written three books: “Lady with a Spear” (1951), which describes her adventures in Micronesia and the Red Sea; “The Lady and the Sharks” (1969), which describes the start of the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory; and “The Desert Beneath the Sea” (1991), a children’s book written with Ann McGovern.
By Haley Rutger
People often asked if Clark had ever been attacked by a shark, and she reported that it has happened only once but that the accident did not take place in the water. She was driving to a school to talk about sharks and had the dried, mounted jaw of a 12-foot tiger shark beside her on the front seat. Stopping abruptly at a traffic light, she stretched out her arm to keep the shark jaw from nicking the dashboard. It fell against her arm, the teeth sank in, and Clark had a half circle of tooth-marks
13keysweekly.com
SHRIMP • FISH • LOBSTE
R • O
YSTERS • CONCH • CRAB
• S
TE
AK
S •
512 Front Street, Key West, FL
twofriendskeywest.com
(305) 296-3124
Two Friends Patio & Baris a proud supporterof Mote Marine and thelocal environment.
Two Friends Patio & Baris a proud supporterof Mote Marine and thelocal environment.
512 Front Street, Key WestTwofriendskeywest.com
305-296-3124
512 Front Street, Key WestTwofriendskeywest.com
305-296-3124
Join us forLive Daily Entertainment
andKaraoke every Thu—Sat
Join us forLive Daily Entertainment
andKaraoke every Thu—Sat
Home of the best Breakfast, Blood Mary, Lunch and Dinner in town!
Home of the best Breakfast, Blood Mary, Lunch and Dinner in town!
A part ofthis reef since 1967.
A part ofthis reef since 1967.
Danny and Maura Hughes
14 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Register atwww.smokintunasaloon.com
Proceeds go to coral reef restoration
programs at Mote Marine Lab.
A trip to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center at Truman Annex takes visitors on an enchanting journey through different ecosystems of the Keys. The island environment is vividly recreated and displayed with scientific and expert notations to make the whole experience educational.
The $6.5 million, 6,400-square-foot facility opened in 2007 to educate locals and tourists about protecting and preserving the ecosystem. Guests learn about the delicate environment of the Keys and all its plants and animals. A stroll through the center takes guests from exhibits on the mangrove shoreline to shallow-water sea grass flats, plus hard bottom, coral reef, and deep-shelf communities. And the exhibits are constantly updated, so there is something new every time.
A visit to the center is also an opportunity to see a special show. Bob Talbot, the creator of “Free Willy” and “Flipper” filmed a movie played exclusively at the Eco-Discovery Center’s theater called “Reflections of the Florida Keys.” It tells the story of a girl growing up in the Keys and is based on the true story of artist Lee Bailley.
One of the young guests’ favorite parts of the center is the detailed map near the entrance. Little fingers push buttons to light up areas denoting known shipwrecks in the Florida Keys.
Aside from the great displays, the center offers a multitude of programs. Every third Saturday of the month is devoted to seminars for kids on marine-related topics. Most recently, students learned the meaning of different nautical flags.
School trips, colleges and road scholars come to the center weekly. Three thousand students from schools in town make their way to the center every year and people have visited it from 86 foreign countries. Of particular interest is the exhibit that explains the state of the reef and what activists are doing to save it.
Take a Trip To eco-Discovery cenTer By Alex Press
15keysweekly.com
SUNDAY BRUNCHBISTRO 245
A distinctive array of your favorite cuisine, an unforgettable waterfront view.
10 am — 2 pm • $44 adults • $17 under 12 Reservations: 305.292.4320 • opentable.com 245 Front Street • westinkeywestresort.com
Locals discount available. Free parking while dining – please present parking ticket to server for validation.
Take a walk back in time......
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
5550 Overseas Highway * Marathon Mile Marker 50 at the stoplight
305-743-9100Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat
Noon to 5 p.m. Sundayswww.cranepoint.net
* Museum of Natural History* Nature Trails* Wild Bird Center* Historic Adderley House* Scenic view from the Point* Bird-watching* Picnic in the courtyard* Trolley Tours * Gift Shop* Kayak Tours
CRANE POINT
Museum & Nature Center
16 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Sand Dollar Coupon
$ 55$
$ 5$
$ 5$
$ 5
5
5
5$
$5 OFF00$5 OFF00
Receive $5.00 on all orders of $30 or more placed at www.tropicalseas.com Enter code rsmote2015 during checkout.
Receive $5.00 on all orders of $30 or more placed at www.tropicalseas.com Enter code rsmote2015 during checkout.
17keysweekly.com
WOW!Key West Kia is in a New Location!
New & Used Car Sales & Service
KEY WEST KIA 2826 N. Roosevelt Blvd. 305-295-8646 www.KeyWestKia.com
Stop by and Check It Out!
2015 Soul $15,190*
2015 Sedona L $26,100*
2016 Sorento L $24,900*
2015 Forte LX $15,890*
2015 Optima LX $21,690*
2015 Rio LX $13,990*
18 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
MOTE Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) forged a new education-focused partnership at the beginning of 2015 that will benefit students, faculty and scientists while enhancing Keys-based research and restoration of marine resources such as coral reefs.
MOTE President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby and FKCC President and CEO Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, signed a memorandum of understanding. The MOU lays the foundation for collaborations in marine research and education serving the common missions and goals of both institutions.
College students receive accelerated experience
Under this agreement, MOTE and FKCC explore exciting opportunities to partner in teaching, introduce more undergraduate students to the cutting-edge marine science at MOTE’s research facility on Summerland Key and share research and education facilities and infrastructure.
MOTE, an independent nonprofit marine science institution established in 1955, has six campuses stretching from its home base in Sarasota to its research facility on Summerland Key. There, MOTE scientists study the grand challenges facing corals reefs — including climate change and ocean acidification — and they have raised and planted thousands of coral fragments onto Florida’s depleted reefs. The Keys facility also serves as a base of operations for hundreds of other researchers from more than 60 different institutions around the world and numerous students.
About 20 miles away is FKCC, the southernmost college of the “Great 48” in the Florida College System. Established in 1965, FKCC is an open-access, educational institution dedicated to serving the intellectual, diverse, cultural and occupational needs of the Florida Keys as well as the global community. The college is committed to student-centric academic programs and services, workforce development, continuing education, diverse partnerships, electronically delivered instruction and sustainable practices that prepare students for personal success and responsible citizenship. As leaders of learning in the Keys, MOTE, and FKCC staff have naturally teamed up in recent years — for example, partnering to receive a National Science Foundation grant for a tropical mariculture course. Mote scientists have taught a small number of FKCC courses and allowed two students to intern at MOTE’s research facility in summer 2014.
“This agreement is really a natural for us,” said Dr. David Vaughan, Manager of MOTE’s Coral Restoration Program, who oversees the Lab’s Summerland Key facility. “Our campuses are in close proximity, we have a lot of common goals and we’ve already been collaborating at a small scale; this is a chance to do much more. For example, it would be ideal to arrange an opportunity for students to get college credit for volunteering or interning at our lab. We now have a framework for investigating these possibilities.” FKCC has a booth at Ocean Fest highlighting its summer camps for children ages 10-12 in which they are also partnering with MOTE. Students go on field trips to the Dry Tortugas, shipwreck museum, Key West Aquarium and MOTE Marine Lab and get lessons from college professors while staying eight days, seven nights at the FKCC residence hall.
MoTe parTnerswiTh Fkcc
AboveAn FKCC student plants staghorn coral.
We’ve already been collaborating at a small scale; this is a chance to do much more.
— Dr. David Vaughn
19keysweekly.com
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
We Get You Back on the Water!
ABYC Certified.Master and factory certified technicians on-site.
End of Year Blow-Out
New in Box115 Mercury 4-stroke, 20” shaft, $7,500
Pair of 150 Mercury 4-strokes, standard and counter 25” shafts, $18,995
305-320-0555boatservicesgroup.com • [email protected]
Large facility in deep water marina with Largest forklift in the Lower Keys
ENGINES AND LARGE SELECTION OF PARTS AND INVENTORY
Boat Maintenance Programfor “Occasional use Snow Bird Customers”
Located at beautiful Key West Harbor Marina, Stock Island • 6000 Peninsular Avenue
Open Mon-Fri 9-5GreenKeys.info Monroecounty-fl.gov
Committed to preserving our marine habitat, addressing climate change and assessing the impacts of sea level rise.
In 2014 Monroe
County initiated a $5,000,000 series
of six canal restoration
demonstration projects.
Our goal for 2015 is to
complete construction of
the six demonstration
restorationprojects.
For additional
sustainabilityand
climate change information
visitGreenKeys.info.
To learn more about the canal
restoration project visit
Monroecounty-fl.gov click on “Programs”
then “Canals."
21keysweekly.com
We Get You Back on the Water!
ABYC Certified.Master and factory certified technicians on-site.
End of Year Blow-Out
New in Box115 Mercury 4-stroke, 20” shaft, $7,500
Pair of 150 Mercury 4-strokes, standard and counter 25” shafts, $18,995
305-320-0555boatservicesgroup.com • [email protected]
Large facility in deep water marina with Largest forklift in the Lower Keys
ENGINES AND LARGE SELECTION OF PARTS AND INVENTORY
Boat Maintenance Programfor “Occasional use Snow Bird Customers”
Located at beautiful Key West Harbor Marina, Stock Island • 6000 Peninsular Avenue
Open Mon-Fri 9-5GreenKeys.info Monroecounty-fl.gov
Committed to preserving our marine habitat, addressing climate change and assessing the impacts of sea level rise.
In 2014 Monroe
County initiated a $5,000,000 series
of six canal restoration
demonstration projects.
Our goal for 2015 is to
complete construction of
the six demonstration
restorationprojects.
For additional
sustainabilityand
climate change information
visitGreenKeys.info.
To learn more about the canal
restoration project visit
Monroecounty-fl.gov click on “Programs”
then “Canals."
ExhibitorsBahia Honda State ParkDolphin Research CenterEco-Discovery CenterFAVORFish and Wildlife CommissionFlorida Keys Community College Marine SciencesFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionFlorida Keys Mosquito ControlFlorida Keys National Marine SanctuaryFlorida Keys National Wildlife RefugeFlorida Keys SPCAFlorida Sea GrantFort Zachary TaylorFury Water AdventuresGuy Harvey Ocean FoundationHistory of Diving MuseumKey West Maritime Historical SocietyKey West ParrotheadsKeys Marine LabMax Health ChiropracticMel Fisher Maritime MuseumMonroe County Extension Service HorticultureMOTE Marine Laboratory
National Weather ServicePigeon Key FoundationReef ReliefSave-A-TurtleScubanauts InternationalSeaCampThe Nature ConservancyThe Turtle Hospital United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
VendorsArts of PalmAva’s Temporary TattooBarefoot BooksBay MarkersBlue Sky DesignsCraft MenagerieCrafts by TinaDivers DirectElegantly ElectricEngel & Voelkers Florida KeysErica Hunter ArtEye Can’t SeeFaces in FocusFishbone DesignsFlorida Keys Dog TrainerHangloose HammocksHooked on Key West
Island File DesignsJewelry by SuzanneJust Shoot Me PhotosKeez Beez HoneyKey West Body ScrubsKey West Sea GlassKey West Soap CompanyKey West Spice CompanyKeys Canvas PrintsKiss My GlassKonch Kandles by KrisLaura’s CreationsLazy DogLois Walton’s Paradise Purses & GiftsMaggie Latham ArtMerl Samuels ArtNature of Key WestNature’s TreasuresNautical NoveltiesNo Sail Left BehindNoel SkibaPaper OceansParadise PendantsPatty Reynolds Jewelry DesignPeters RenditionsResurrection WoodRoger’s Tie DyeSanctuary Exotic Tea
Scuba StuffSimply SoapSound Things 34Stuff 4UThe Glassy LadyTile Art by the SeaTouch of Key West PhotographyVeronica Flora TilesVolcano SauceWag-A DoodleWool PearlsWOW TowelsYou’ll Love It
FOOD VendorsAll Star Frozen Yogurt & SubsCandy by JamieCentennial Bank Hot Dogs & HamburgersChef’s EmpanadasIsland Ice’sJuice LuvLara EisenbergPeppered Pot Caribbean FoodsSmokin Tuna SaloonStephan’s Gumbo ShackWhite Street Grill
ATMBAR
KIDSFISHINGCLINIC
NO
T fo
r PR
OFIT
EX
HIB
ITOR
S
SILENT AUCTION
WYLAND
VENDORS
VENDORS
KIDSAREA
STA
GE
INFO
INFO
FISHING BARGE
OCEANFESTIVALMAP
KIDS PASSPORT& TREASURE HUNT
PICK UP at INFO
ATMFIRSTSTATEBANK
BARSMOKINGTUNA
BloodMobile
ENTRANCE
23keysweekly.com
ExhibitorsBahia Honda State ParkDolphin Research CenterEco-Discovery CenterFAVORFish and Wildlife CommissionFlorida Keys Community College Marine SciencesFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionFlorida Keys Mosquito ControlFlorida Keys National Marine SanctuaryFlorida Keys National Wildlife RefugeFlorida Keys SPCAFlorida Sea GrantFort Zachary TaylorFury Water AdventuresGuy Harvey Ocean FoundationHistory of Diving MuseumKey West Maritime Historical SocietyKey West ParrotheadsKeys Marine LabMax Health ChiropracticMel Fisher Maritime MuseumMonroe County Extension Service HorticultureMOTE Marine Laboratory
National Weather ServicePigeon Key FoundationReef ReliefSave-A-TurtleScubanauts InternationalSeaCampThe Nature ConservancyThe Turtle Hospital United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
VendorsArts of PalmAva’s Temporary TattooBarefoot BooksBay MarkersBlue Sky DesignsCraft MenagerieCrafts by TinaDivers DirectElegantly ElectricEngel & Voelkers Florida KeysErica Hunter ArtEye Can’t SeeFaces in FocusFishbone DesignsFlorida Keys Dog TrainerHangloose HammocksHooked on Key West
Island File DesignsJewelry by SuzanneJust Shoot Me PhotosKeez Beez HoneyKey West Body ScrubsKey West Sea GlassKey West Soap CompanyKey West Spice CompanyKeys Canvas PrintsKiss My GlassKonch Kandles by KrisLaura’s CreationsLazy DogLois Walton’s Paradise Purses & GiftsMaggie Latham ArtMerl Samuels ArtNature of Key WestNature’s TreasuresNautical NoveltiesNo Sail Left BehindNoel SkibaPaper OceansParadise PendantsPatty Reynolds Jewelry DesignPeters RenditionsResurrection WoodRoger’s Tie DyeSanctuary Exotic Tea
Scuba StuffSimply SoapSound Things 34Stuff 4UThe Glassy LadyTile Art by the SeaTouch of Key West PhotographyVeronica Flora TilesVolcano SauceWag-A DoodleWool PearlsWOW TowelsYou’ll Love It
FOOD VendorsAll Star Frozen Yogurt & SubsCandy by JamieCentennial Bank Hot Dogs & HamburgersChef’s EmpanadasIsland Ice’sJuice LuvLara EisenbergPeppered Pot Caribbean FoodsSmokin Tuna SaloonStephan’s Gumbo ShackWhite Street Grill
ATMBAR
KIDSFISHINGCLINIC
NO
T fo
r PR
OFIT
EX
HIB
ITOR
S
SILENT AUCTION
WYLAND
VENDORS
VENDORS
KIDSAREA
STA
GE
INFO
INFO
FISHING BARGE
OCEANFESTIVALMAP
KIDS PASSPORT& TREASURE HUNT
PICK UP at INFO
ATMFIRSTSTATEBANK
BARSMOKINGTUNA
BloodMobile
ENTRANCE
Open Mon – Sat 11 – 9305-743-9181
6950 O/S Hwy • Marathon • MM 51 Bayside
“Where The Locals Eat!”
FULL SERVICE
RESTAURANT
AND SEAFOOD
MARKET
Brutus
seafood
RESTAURANT
& MARKET
Brutus
seafood
RESTAURANT
& MARKET
Family Owned & Operated
ServingLunch & Dinner
www.brutusseafood.com
We Conserve!fkaa.comfkaa.com
Where everyone is treated like a local!
Full Moon PaddlesFriday, April 3rd @ 5:30 pm
Saturday, April 4th @ 6:30 PM
Summer Paddle Camp SessionsJune 8th – 12th kids, June 15th-19th teens
July 6th – 10th kids, July 13th-17th teens
Over 400 boats & SUPs in stock.Come in and “try before you buy!”
Like us on www.PaddleFloridaKeys.com
104050 O/S Hwy, Key Largo 305-451-3018
Where everyone is treated like a local!Kayak, Paddleboard & Canoe Sales
24 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
NOAA Fisheries recently released its recovery plan for elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), identifying criteria that must be met for these branching corals to be removed from the list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Coral reefs are critical to the health of marine ecosystems and economically valuable to coastal communities around the world. They provide food and shelter for more than 25 percent of marine fish and up to two million marine species, protection for shorelines against effects of major storms and hundreds of millions, if not billions, annually to the local, regional and state economy through tourism and recreation, NOAA said. The new plan contains two dozen actions needed to recover the species, and it addresses research and monitoring, ways to reduce threats and enhance populations by growing corals in nurseries and putting them back onto the reef.
Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory — an independent, nonprofit marine science institution with six Florida campuses from Sarasota to Key West — wrote portions of the staghorn and elkhorn coral recovery plan and conducted research that helped inform its recommendations. Mote, which announced exciting plans for expansion this year, is carrying out innovative coral science and restoration projects at its research facility
on Summerland Key that are relevant to the recovery plan.Mote Senior Scientist Dr. Kim Ritchie is one of 19 expert authors for the recovery plan. Authors hail from government agencies, academic institutions and non-government organizations. Ritchie, Mote Research Program Manager for Marine Microbiology, studies the microscopic life associated with coral reefs, including beneficial bacteria that are part of the corals’ immune systems and the microscopic algae that give corals energy and color. She has worked with staghorn and elkhorn corals since 1992, studying the factors that can make them healthy or sick. “We know elkhorn and staghorn corals are highly sensitive to environmental stress, and that makes them the perfect species to focus on for a recovery plan,” Ritchie said. “If you enable changes that help these sensitive corals recover, it will also result in the recovery of other threatened corals that are less sensitive.”
noaa pubLishes recovery pLan For ThreaTeneD coraLs, MoTe conTribuTes
By Hayley Rutger
TopSouth Craysford Reef was full of vibrant elkhorn and staghorn coral when this photo was shot in 1980.
BottomNow South Craysford Reef has dead corals and is in need of restoration.
Photo: BILL HARRIGAN Photo: DAVID ARNOLD
THEN
NOW
25keysweekly.com
Local faces & local support
www.broadwave.com305-767-1467
The fastest & most reliable business class Internet service in the Keys.
26 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
GodBless
Come Watch me
paint at Ocean
Fest!
Noel Skiba’s Award Winning INTERNATIONAL IMPRESSIONISTIC PAINTINGS
Vibrant Color and Sculptural Texture!On location in Key West, New Studios, Big Pine & Mackinac IslandSunset Celebration, Little Palm Island, Schooner Wharf
Galleries, Shows & EventsCommissions Available 616-309-6413
Renowned marine life artist Wyland changed the way people think about our environment when he started painting life-size whales on the sides of buildings in the 1980s. Wyland always thought big. And he never stopped.
Today, the Wyland name has become synonymous with the new generation of awareness about environmental conservation. Through his unique marine life paintings, sculptures, and photography, Wyland has inspired a generation about the importance of marine life conservation. His life – like his art – can find him anywhere around the world, at any time, from the Antarctic
ice shelf on a photo expedition to document climate change to a grassroots journey down the Mississippi River on a mission of conservation.
Wyland will lend his presence to the Florida Keys Ocean Festival on April 4. He will lead a group painting workshop with kids from 1 to 3 p.m. And he is also creating paintings onsite to auction off to help MOTE’s conservation efforts and mission of preserving and protecting the world’s delicate marine environoment. The auction is set for 5:15 p.m. and hosted by Bill Hoebee.
“The beauty that I see in the Florida Keys, one of the premiere dive destinations on the planet, is reflected in all my paintings, sculptures and murals,” he said.
The multi-faceted artist, SCUBA diver, educator, and explorer has hosted several television programs, including, “Wyland’s Ocean World” series on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet Network, “Wyland: A Brush With Giants” and “Wyland’s Art Studio,” a series for national public television. His mission of engaging people through nature-themed art and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle has led to strategic alliances with such notable organizations as the United States Olympic Team, United Nation Environment Programme, and Walt Disney Studios, to name a few.
wyLanD painTs For a cause
Wyland has inspired a generation about the importance of marine life conservation.
27keysweekly.com
Key Largo305-451-1500
Islamorada305-664-4637
Marathon305-289-5670
Big Pine305-735-4322
Sugarloaf305-745-1856
www.c21Schwartz.com
Key West305-292-2923
28 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
TopA combat wounded veteran restores staghorn coral.
Not only do these combat wounded and youth volunteers provide important support to MOTE — accelerating the coral reef restoration work undertaken since 2006 — they also inspire and challenge one another in a way that only the undersea community can provide. Thanks to this ongoing partnership, MOTE will be setting aside an area in our coral restoration site to honor American servicemen and women. In July, members of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, SCUBAnauts International and the Gold Star Teen Adventures will be coming together with scientists to work at this underwater site for the first time.
Teens, veTeransrebuiLDing coraL reeFsas a MeMoriaL
“Our mission with this project is multi-faceted,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of MOTE Marine Laboratory. “Because we have the southernmost marine research laboratory in the nation, we’re dedicated to restoring the only barrier reef in the continental U.S.” More than seven years ago, MOTE established an underwater coral nursery where scientists grow colonies of the threatened staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) for replanting on decimated or damaged sections of reef within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. When the colonies reach a suitable size, small fragments nearly two inches long are snipped off and used to create a new colony — similar to the way new plants are grown from cuttings of existing plants. Today, they have about 15,000 coral colonies — some 250,000 fragments — growing in the nursery.
Over the last two years, veterans wounded in combat and youth interested in learning leadership skills through scuba have been volunteering at MOTE Marine Laboratory’s underwater coral nursery in the Florida Keys.
Contributed
OpositeThree groups —Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, SCUBAnauts International and the Gold Star Teen Adventures—unite to restore the reefs.
29keysweekly.com
Yacht Towing and Assistance
Salvage Launch
Charter
Marine Construction
Spill Response
Commercial Diving Services
Proud supporters of Coral Reef Restoration programs at Mote Marine Lab in the Keys.
24 hours service available7281 Shrimp Rd. • Key West Fl, 33040
305.454.3121 • [email protected]
Members of SCUBAnauts International and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge have been with MOTE working in the nursery since 2012, coming out to help propagate coral and replant fragments in our transplant area near Looe Key. “We are very grateful to MOTE for providing this exceptional opportunity for combat wounded and injured veterans to show by example to our youth that their limitations are what they place on themselves,” said retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Olson, who founded SCUBAnauts and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge.
This trip also provides SCUBAnauts with an opportunity to truly understand the meaning of overcoming challenges, said Jim Cassick, Executive Director of SCUBAnauts International. As part of this Challenge Expedition, Combat Wounded Veteran amputees will collect information and medical data in a partnership
with St. Petersburg College of Orthotics and Prosthetics to contribute to the science of human performance, rehabilitation and recreation in extreme aquatic environments. Amputee veterans not already certified will be receiving their SCUBA certification from Divers 4 Heroes, a non-profit organization with the mission to introduce a gravity free environment, our underwater world, to all warriors who have been injured.... mind, body, or spirit.
To hELp 2014 marks the third year that Mote Marine Laboratory has partnered with the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, SCUBAnauts International and the first year that Gold Star Teen Adventures participants are joining us. We are seeking funding that will allow us to expand our partnerships and provide additional opportunities for members of these groups to work with us in our underwater coral nursery. For information on how you can help, please contact Development Officer Jason Wolf at 305- 393-6022 or [email protected].
30 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
• Free ‘sky rides’ on Keys Energy bucket trucks
ocean FesT evenT scheDuLe
6:45-7:45 a.m. 5k race check-in 8 a.m. 3rd annual Smokin’ Tuna Trot 5K Race for the Reef! 11 a.m. live music 11 a.m. silent auction opens 11:30 a.m. first group kids’ fishing class (meet at conference room inside Eco-Discovery Center) 12:30 p.m. live music 1–3 p.m. kids paint with Wyland
All Day Activities
Event Schedule
Brought to you by
• Rock climbing, bounce house, bungees, sky slide and more
• Educational and interactive games and activities at 30-plus booths
• Touch tanks and live animals on display
• Shopping with great local art, clothing, crafts and jewelry
• Enjoy great local food, ice cream, confections, plus cool cocktails and drinks from the Smokin’ Tuna and Bombora Vodka
• Prizes and chance drawing/raffle prizes; winners do not need to be present
• Kids treasure hunt with prizes: Pick up the form at the event Info Booth and receive an entry into a drawing for one of two great prizes once the treasure hunt is complete.
• Passport to the Ocean Game: Pick up form at the event Info Booth and receive a prize when passport is completed.
2 p.m. second group kids’ fishing class (same meeting point) 2 p.m. live music 4 p.m. Howard Livingston & MM24 band! 5:15 p.m. Wyland art auction “live” with Bill Hoebee 5:30 p.m. silent auction ends 5:45 p.m. Woodyboard paddleboard drawing & fishing/diving gear raffle drawing 6:30 p.m. after party at the Smokin’ Tuna and Bombora Vodka drinks and food specials and more live music
Please join us on April 4, 2015 at the Truman Waterfront
Reef Community SponsorsGuy Harvey Ocean FoundationBlue HeavenPier House Resort & SpaKeys Federal Credit UnionOcean Walk ApartmentsCoca-ColaOkuma Fishing TackleAnglers For Conservation
MOTE MARinE LABORATORy AnD THE PROTECT OuR REEfS LiCEnSE PLATE
Coral Reef Restoration PartnersFury Water AdventuresSmokin Tuna SallonWyland FoundationGalleon Resort & MarinaFlorida Keys Eco-Discovery CenterStock Island Marina VillageNOAAKey West Harbor ServicesMonroe County Tourist Development CouncilReef Safe Suncarethe Weekly Newspapers
Protect Our Reefs SponsorsOcean Key Resort & SpaWestin Key West - Resort & MarinaLittle Palm Island Resort & SpaFlorida Restaurant & Lodging AssociationBombora & Cooranbong VodkaFirst State BankKeys Energy ServicesLower Keys TackleCentennial Bank
Ocean festival SponsorShark BitesUnited States Coast Guard Auxilary Tavern & Town Restaurant & Bar
2 p.m. second group kids’ fishing class (same meeting point) 2 p.m. live music 4 p.m. Howard Livingston & MM24 band! 5:15 p.m. Wyland art auction “live” with Bill Hoebee 5:30 p.m. silent auction ends 5:45 p.m. Woodyboard paddleboard drawing & fishing/diving gear raffle drawing 6:30 p.m. after party at the Smokin’ Tuna and Bombora Vodka drinks and food specials and more live music
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Sat 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m • 3900 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Key West
Come visit us today or call us 305.602.3820
Ocean Walk ApartmentsYOUR HOME IN PARADISE
Some restrictions
apply
WWW.OCEANWALKAPTS.COM.
Newly renovated units
Under new ownership and management with
friendly staff
Pets welcome
New flooring, new stainless steel appliances,
new cabinets, granite counter tops, new light
fixtures.
Amenities include swimming pool, basketball
and tennis courts.
Move-in Special1, 2 and 3 bedrooms
Mention this adfor a discount