April 4, 2015 • Truman Waterfront
MARATHON SEAWALLS & DOCKS • Complete Marine Construction • Docks • Seawalls • Vinyl Sheets • Dredging • Boulder Walls • House Foundations LIC # ENG II 300C
305-289-9393 www.marathonseawallsanddocks.com
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
ROYAL does it all! REMODEL REDESIGN REFURNISH your keys home
KITCHEN & BATH SPECIALISTS cabinets | countertops | flooring | fixtures
furniture interior design remodels painting flooring
Stunning design. Worry-free installation. Amazing results!
Let me help you make your Keys home beautiful with the latest in design, furniture, and accessories... or even a remodel!
window treatments
I can’t wait to help you with your Keys design project!
baths
CHRISTOPHER ELWELL
Christopher@KeysFurniture.com 305-481-1790
kitchens
Get started today!
FURNITURE AND
www.RoyalFurnitureAndDesign.com
K E Y L A R G O | M A R AT H O N | K E Y W E S T 305.451.5700
305.743.4397
305.295.6400
All work performed by LOCAL, LICENSED & INSURED contractors.
The ocean is our passion Rehabilitation • Research • Release
Planet Earth’s leading sea turtle research and rehabilitation facility Education Center open daily from 9a - 6p
Limited space, call (305) 743-2552 for reservations
Est. 1986 2396 Overseas Highway. MM 48.5 (Gulf ), Marathon FL www.turtlehospital.org
PROTECT OUR REEFS! 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.
Snorkel on over to
www.reefplate.com 4
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
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
Contents 8 10
Do’s and Don’ts Leave the reef better than you found it
Event Map 22 Find your way around
Sea Science MOTE revolutionizes Coral-growing technique
24
12 Remembered Late Dr. Eugenie Clark
Ocean Fest on April 4
26 Celebrity Marine artist Wyland will attend Ocean Festival
founded MOTE institute
14 18
Experience the Exhibits Eco-Discovery Center illustrates Keys’ underwater life Learning Partnership MOTE and local college to work together
Going Forward Agency, scientists write plan to save the corals
28 30
Published MMXV The Weekly Newspapers 11400 Overseas Hwy, Suite 201 Marathon, FL. 33050 P. 305-743-0844 | F. 305-743-0866 Key West office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 P. 305-453-6928 | F. 305-743-0866 www.keysweekly.com About this issue
In the Field Veterans, teens team up to plant coral bed Event Schedule Plan for workshops, art auctions and music
Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com
The Weekly would like to extend special thanks to the following for their help on this magazine: Jason Wolf, Roberta DePiero, Rachel Pawlitz, Amber ErnstLeonard and Hayley Rutger.
Director of Sales/ Marketing Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com Account Executives Rosario Barrett rosario@keysweekly.com Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Michael Paulish michael@keysweekly.com
Staff Writers Alex Press alex@keysweekly.com Kristen Livengood kristen@keysweekly.com Art/Design Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com
keysweekly.com
5
•
installation
•
repairs
got brick?
•
commercial retaining walls
Check us out at www.paverdaveinc.com
Family Owned & Operated
Locally owned, operated and proudly serving the Florida Keys since 2005.
License #SP3573
west of the 7-Mile Bridge
(305) 304-3966
east of the 7-Mile Bridge
(305) 304-9232
Proud supporters of coral reef restoration programs at Mote in the Florida Keys
Luxury Resort & Marina Accommodations • Spacious 3 bedroom penthouses • 2 bedroom 2 bath suites • King studios
With over 30 years of service. The Galleon Resort and Marina will make your vacation a cherished memory. 800-544-3030 • 305-296-7711 • www.galleonresort.com • 617 Front Street Key West, FL 6
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
keysweekly.com
7
Monroe County’s leading environment services provider and proud support of Mote Marine and the Ocean Festival.
Think Green Keep your recycling clean, dry and recycle plastic bags at the grocery store.
Reef Do’s & Dont’s Do’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.
Dont’s · 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.
Discover one of the world’s best resorts as recognized by Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure. littlepalmisland.com | 1.800.3.GET.LOST | Little Torch Key, Florida
8
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
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.
2 GREAT LOCATIONS NEAR YOU! Tilden’s Scuba Center
4650 Overseas Hwy 49.5mm Next to Hurricane Bar & Grill (305) 743-7255
Dive Duck Key
61 Hawks Cay Blvd. 61mm Hawks Cay Resort & Marina (305) 743-9633
SNUBA®
AIR FILLS
SCUBA
NITROX
SNORKEL
HYDROS
RENTALS
REPAIR
SPEARFISH
RETAIL
LOBSTER
MOTE is growing CORAL to save marine habitat
By Alex Press
New lab method is faster than natural growth 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.
When I explain what we are doing here at MOTE to other scientists they don’t believe me.
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.
“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. Above At MOTE’s laboratories Dr. Vaughan has developed techniques to grow coral 25-40 times faster.
10 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
81650 Overseas Hwy, MM 81.6 – Bayside, Islamorada • www.bjroyster.com
Paintings, Prints, Gifts & Jewelry
f
REBER WOODWORK
fish pics, fish plaques, fish fossils, signs, humidors, jewelry boxes, certificates, awards and more
keysweekly.com
11
Remembering the Shark Lady
By Haley Rutger
Dr. Eugenie Clark left her mark 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.
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
12 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
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.
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.”
•
L
A part of this reef since 1967.
BS
•
S
• FISH
O
H
R
P IM
• C
ONCH
• C
AB
RS
• S
TEAKS
TER • OY
R
Two Friends Patio & Bar is a proud supporter of Mote Marine and the local environment.
Home of the best Breakfast, Blood Mary, Lunch and Dinner in town!
S T E
Key West, FL 512 Front Street, est.com twofriendskeyw (305) 296-3124
Danny and Maura Hughes
Join us for Live Daily Entertainment and Karaoke every Thu—Sat 512 Front Street, Key West Twofriendskeywest.com 305-296-3124 keysweekly.com 13
Take a trip to Eco-Discovery Center By Alex Press
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.
Register at
www.smokintunasaloon.com Proceeds go to coral reef restoration programs at Mote Marine Lab.
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 shallowwater 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.
14 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
SUNDAY BRUNCH BISTRO 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 * * * * * * * * * *
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
305-743-9100
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays www.cranepoint.net
CRANE POINT
Museum & Nature Center
keysweekly.com 15
Receive $5.00 on all orders of $30 or more placed at www.tropicalseas.com 00 OFF Enter code rsmote2015 during checkout. $
$
5
$
5
Sand Dollar
$
16 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
5
Coupon
5
$
5
2015 Soul $15,190* 2015 Sedona L $26,100* 2015 Rio LX $13,990*
2016 Sorento L $24,900* 2015 Forte LX $15,890* 2015 Optima LX $21,690*
WOW! Key West Kia is in a New Location! Stop by and Check It Out!
New & Used Car Sales & Service KEY WEST KIA 2826 N. Roosevelt Blvd. 305-295-8646 www.KeyWestKia.com
keysweekly.com 17
MOTE partners with FKCC College students receive accelerated experience MOTE Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) forged a new educationfocused 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.
Above An FKCC student plants staghorn coral.
18 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
We’ve already been collaborating at a small scale; this is a chance to do much more. — Dr. David Vaughn
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 openaccess, 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 studentcentric 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.
keysweekly.com 19
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 restoration projects.
GreenKeys.info
2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
For additional sustainability and climate change information visit GreenKeys.info.
To learn more about the canal restoration project visit Monroecounty-fl.gov click on “Programs” then “Canals."
Monroecounty-fl.gov
We Get You Back on the Water! ABYC Certified.
Master and factory certified technicians on-site.
End of Year Blow-Out New in Box
115 Mercury 4-stroke, 20” shaft, $7,500 Pair of 150 Mercury 4-strokes, standard and counter 25” shafts, $18,995
Large facility in deep water marina with Largest forklift in the Lower Keys ENGINES AND LARGE SELECTION OF PARTS AND INVENTORY
Boat Maintenance Program
for “Occasional use Snow Bird Customers” Located at beautiful Key West Harbor Marina, Stock Island • 6000 Peninsular Avenue Open Mon-Fri 9-5
305-320-0555
boatservicesgroup.com • sales@boatservicesgroup.com
keysweekly.com 21
OCEAN FESTIVAL MAP
KIDS PASSPORT & TREASURE HUNT PICK UP at INFO
INFO
FIRST STATE BANK
ATM
SMOKING TUNA
BAR
Blood Mobile
FISHING BARGE SI
LE N W TA YL U A CT N I D O
N
KIDS AREA
STA GE
KIDS FISHING CLINIC
BAR
IT OF PR or RS T f TO NO HIBI EX
Exhibitors Bahia Honda State Park Dolphin Research Center Eco-Discovery Center FAVOR Fish and Wildlife Commission Florida Keys Community College Marine Sciences Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Keys Mosquito Control Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Florida Keys SPCA Florida Sea Grant Fort Zachary Taylor Fury Water Adventures Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation History of Diving Museum Key West Maritime Historical Society Key West Parrotheads Keys Marine Lab Max Health Chiropractic Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Monroe County Extension Service Horticulture MOTE Marine Laboratory
National Weather Service Pigeon Key Foundation Reef Relief Save-A-Turtle Scubanauts International SeaCamp The Nature Conservancy The Turtle Hospital United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Vendors Arts of Palm Ava’s Temporary Tattoo Barefoot Books Bay Markers Blue Sky Designs Craft Menagerie Crafts by Tina Divers Direct Elegantly Electric Engel & Voelkers Florida Keys Erica Hunter Art Eye Can’t See Faces in Focus Fishbone Designs Florida Keys Dog Trainer Hangloose Hammocks Hooked on Key West
INFO
VE
ATM
VE
N
N
DO
RS
DO
RS
Island File Designs Jewelry by Suzanne Just Shoot Me Photos Keez Beez Honey Key West Body Scrubs Key West Sea Glass Key West Soap Company Key West Spice Company Keys Canvas Prints Kiss My Glass Konch Kandles by Kris Laura’s Creations Lazy Dog Lois Walton’s Paradise Purses & Gifts Maggie Latham Art Merl Samuels Art Nature of Key West Nature’s Treasures Nautical Novelties No Sail Left Behind Noel Skiba Paper Oceans Paradise Pendants Patty Reynolds Jewelry Design Peters Renditions Resurrection Wood Roger’s Tie Dye Sanctuary Exotic Tea
ENTR ANCE
Scuba Stuff Simply Soap Sound Things 34 Stuff 4U The Glassy Lady Tile Art by the Sea Touch of Key West Photography Veronica Flora Tiles Volcano Sauce Wag-A Doodle Wool Pearls WOW Towels You’ll Love It
FOOD Vendors All Star Frozen Yogurt & Subs Candy by Jamie Centennial Bank Hot Dogs & Hamburgers Chef’s Empanadas Island Ice’s Juice Luv Lara Eisenberg Peppered Pot Caribbean Foods Smokin Tuna Saloon Stephan’s Gumbo Shack White Street Grill
MARKET Brutus se a f o o d RESTAURANT & MARKET Serving Lunch & Dinner
www.brutusseafood.com Family Owned & Operated
“Where The Locals Eat!” Open Mon – Sat 11 – 9 305-743-9181
Where everyone is treated like a local! Kayak, Paddleboard & Canoe Sales
6950 O/S Hwy • Marathon • MM 51 Bayside
Full Moon Paddles Friday, April 3rd @ 5:30 pm Saturday, April 4th @ 6:30 PM
We Conserve! fkaa.com
Summer Paddle Camp Sessions June 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 keysweekly.com 23
NOAA publishes recovery plan for threatened corals, Mote contributes
By Hayley Rutger
THEN
NOW
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.
Photo: BILL HARRIGAN Top South Craysford Reef was full of vibrant elkhorn and staghorn coral when this photo was shot in 1980.
24 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Photo: DAVID ARNOLD Bottom Now South Craysford Reef has dead corals and is in need of restoration.
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 nongovernment 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.”
The fastest & most reliable business class Internet service in the Keys.
Local faces & local support
www.broadwave.com 305-767-1467
keysweekly.com 25
Wyland paints for a cause
Noel Skiba’s Award Winning
INTERNATIONAL IMPRESSIONISTIC PAINTINGS Vibrant Color and Sculptural Texture!
On location in Key West, New Studios, Big Pine & Mackinac Island Sunset Celebration, Little Palm Island, Schooner Wharf Galleries, Shows & Events Come Commissions Available 616-309-6413
Watch me paint at Ocean Fest!
God Bless
www.NoelSkiba.com noelskiba@me.com
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.
Wyland has inspired a generation about the importance of marine life conservation.
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.
26 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Key Largo Islamorada Marathon 305-451-1500 305-664-4637 305-289-5670 Big Pine Sugarloaf Key West 305-735-4322 305-745-1856 305-292-2923
www.c21Schwartz.com
keysweekly.com 27
TEENS, VETERANS REBUILDING CORAL REEFS AS A MEMORIAL Contributed
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.
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. Top A combat wounded veteran restores staghorn coral.
Oposite Three groups—Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge, SCUBAnauts International and the Gold Star Teen Adventures—unite to restore the reefs.
28 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
“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.
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.
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 available 7281 Shrimp Rd. • Key West Fl, 33040 305.454.3121 • Info@kwharborservices.com
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 jwolf@mote.org.
keysweekly.com 29
Ocean Fest Event Schedule Please join us on April 4, 2015 at the Truman Waterfront All Day Activities • Free ‘sky rides’ on Keys Energy bucket trucks
• Rock climbing, bounce house, bungees, sky slide and more
• Shopping with great local art, clothing, crafts and jewelry
• Educational and interactive games and activities at 30-plus booths
• Enjoy great local food, ice cream, confections, plus cool cocktails and drinks from the Smokin’ Tuna and Bombora Vodka
• 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.
• Touch tanks and live animals on display
• Prizes and chance drawing/ raffle prizes; winners do not need to be present
• Passport to the Ocean Game: Pick up form at the event Info Booth and receive a prize when passport is completed.
Event Schedule :45-7:45 a.m. 5k race check-in 6 2 p.m. second group kids’ fishing class 8 a.m. 3rd annual Smokin’ Tuna Trot 5K Race for the Reef! (same meeting point) 11 a.m. live music 2 p.m. live music 11 a.m. silent auction opens 4 p.m. Howard Livingston & MM24 band! 11:30 a.m. first group kids’ fishing class (meet at conference 5:15 p.m. Wyland art auction “live” with Bill Hoebee room inside Eco-Discovery Center) 5:30 p.m. silent auction ends 12:30 p.m. live music 5:45 p.m. Woodyboard paddleboard drawing & 1–3 p.m. kids paint with Wyland 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
Brought to you by Mote Marine Laboratory and The Protect Our Reefs License Plate Coral Reef Restoration Partners Fury Water Adventures Smokin Tuna Sallon Wyland Foundation Galleon Resort & Marina Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center Stock Island Marina Village NOAA Key West Harbor Services Monroe County Tourist Development Council Reef Safe Suncare the Weekly Newspapers
30 2015 Florida Keys Ocean Festival
Protect Our Reefs Sponsors Ocean Key Resort & Spa Westin Key West - Resort & Marina Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Bombora & Cooranbong Vodka First State Bank Keys Energy Services Lower Keys Tackle Centennial Bank
Reef Community Sponsors Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Blue Heaven Pier House Resort & Spa Keys Federal Credit Union Ocean Walk Apartments Coca-Cola Okuma Fishing Tackle Anglers For Conservation
Ocean Festival Sponsor Shark Bites United States Coast Guard Auxilary Tavern & Town Restaurant & Bar
Ocean Walk Apartments YOUR HOME IN PARADISE 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.
Some restrictions apply
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 Move-in Special Keys Ocean Festival 1, 2 2015 and Florida 3 bedrooms
visit us today or call us 305.602.3820
WWW.OCEANWALKAPTS.COM.
Mention this ad for a discount