www.floridaoceanalliance.org   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FOCUS OF FLORIDA OCEAN ALLIANCE CONFERENCE AT PORT CANAVERAL

MIAMI (12/06/01) – Environmental issues were at the forefront of the second annual conference of the Florida Ocean Alliance, which took place today aboard the Carnival cruise ship Fantasy at Port Canaveral and was attended by numerous environmental leaders in government, academia and business.

The conference featured a panel discussion on “Coastal State Partnerships for Protecting the Ocean,” moderated by David Struhs, Secretary for the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, who showcased Florida’s successes in this area.

Also during the event, the alliance presented its annual Strategic Environmental Achievement Awards.  Recipients this year included Cheeca Lodge and Spa, Florida Power & Light, and the Captain Planet Foundation. 

Dr. Frank Muller-Karger, Florida member of the National Commission on Ocean Policy, provided an overview of that organization’s activities, as well.

“This was an extremely productive gathering of leaders in the field of ocean protection and stewardship, and the Florida Ocean Alliance was particularly honored to have the participation of Secretary David Struhs from the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection,” said David McDonald, alliance chair and head of the Florida Ports Council.  “Secretary Struhs has extensive knowledge of state and federal partnerships to protect ocean resources and clearly understands the alliance’s goal of raising awareness on the importance of the oceans and coasts to the ecology and economy of Florida and its neighbors.”   

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

The Florida Ocean Alliance was formed in late 1999, based on the work of the Florida Governor’s Ocean Committee, a group that recognized the vital role of coastal and ocean resources to the state’s quality of life and economic vitality.  Since that time, two national commissions have been established to consider the impact of the oceans to the country. “The mission of the alliance is to protect and enhance Florida’s coastal and ocean resources for continued social and economic benefits,” McDonald said.   “This mission is consistent with the national activity in this area.”

The organization is currently recruiting membership from a broad spectrum of the private and public sectors.  Private sector members will include representatives from ocean-related industries in tourism, ports, shipping, and cruising, while public sector members will include federal and state governmental agencies, nonprofit research organizations, academia, and various public interest groups. 

The alliance serves as a clearinghouse for information on key ocean and coastal issues facing Florida.  It monitors and publicizes actions related to the oceans and coasts.  “The alliance helps develop critical policy to sustain the oceans, a shared resource that impacts all of us on the planet,” added Dr. John Ogden, alliance board member from the Florida Institute of Oceanography.  “Recognition of the long-term impact of the oceans on our environment is central to the role of the alliance.”

The Joint Center for Environmental and Urban Problems at Florida Atlantic University serves as secretariat for the alliance, focusing on outreach and educational activities for the public and policymakers.  According to Jim Murley, director of the Joint Center, “We are targeting the alliance’s activities to include conferences, papers on ocean and coastal policies, economic studies, and testimony to national or state agencies and commissions concerned with ocean or coastal policy.  We endeavor to keep our members informed on these policy issues and to share our ideas with policymakers.”  The alliance Board of Directors includes Chair, David McDonald of the Florida Ports Council, Capt. William Wright of Royal Caribbean International, Jim Walsh of Carnival Cruise Lines, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan of Mote Marine Laboratory, Jim Cato of the Florida Sea Grant College Program, Duane DeFreese of Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, Dr. Ellen Prager of Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Jody Thomas of The Nature Conservancy, and Dr. John Ogden of the Florida Institute of Oceanography.

             For additional information on the Florida Ocean Alliance, contact Jim Murley or Lenore Alpert at 954/762-5255.  Further details are available at www.floridaoceanalliance.org.