2008 Florida Oceans Day
March 10, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:  Jim Murley 954-762-5255

TALLAHASSEE – Florida legislators join scientists, researchers and maritime interests to celebrate the 2008 Florida Oceans Day March 12th in Tallahassee.

Florida Oceans Day promotes awareness and stewardship of the state's ocean resources. Healthy coasts and oceans are critical for the state’s economy and provide sustainable resources for all Floridians.  This year’s theme, “Ocean Technology: Protecting Florida’s Oceans/Sustaining Florida’s Economy,” focuses on the need to use technology to help preserve oceans while sustaining the state’s economy.

The Alliance will present “Stewards of the Sea” awards to the co-chair of the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council – Mike Sole, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Ken Haddad, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and Charles H. Bronson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

Florida Oceans Day activities include resolutions from the Florida Senate and House of Representatives, as well as more than 50 exhibits in the Capitol for the public, legislators and agency staff.

On March 11th, Mote Marine Laboratory is sponsoring a reception in the Capitol. On March 12th, the Florida Ocean Alliance and the Florida Institute of Oceanography are sponsoring exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard for the public, legislators and agency staff.  The Florida Ocean Alliance, Mote Marine Laboratory and the Florida Institute of Oceanography sponsor Florida Oceans Day events.

“This year’s Oceans Day event highlights technology as a means to protect Florida’s oceans and sustain our economy,” said David L. McDonald, chair of the Florida Ocean Alliance and executive director of Port Manatee. “Ocean technology can help preserve Florida’s oceans and coasts and heighten awareness by the public and legislators of the challenges we face.”

Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory added, “Ocean technology can be a key solution to many challenges of Florida’s coastal and marine resources as we deal with climate change, growth, and natural disasters such as hurricanes.”

Oceans Day Schedule of Events

Tuesday, March 11
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Reception at the Capitol Building, 22nd floor
Sponsor: Mote Marine Laboratory

Wednesday, March 12
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Oceans Day exhibits in the Capitol Rotunda and Courtyard
Sponsor: Florida Institute of Oceanography
Senate Resolution on Oceans Day, Senate Floor
House Resolution on Oceans Day, House Floor

The Florida Ocean Alliance (www.floridaoceanalliance.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-private partnership of government, academic, and private sector organizations that promotes awareness and understanding of the ocean’s importance to the ecology and economy of Florida. 
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