2007 Florida Oceans Day

TALLAHASSEE – Florida legislators are joining scientists, researchers and maritime interests for Florida Oceans Day on April 18 to celebrate and promote 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, “Sea of Change: The Impact of Climate Change on Florida’s Coasts and Oceans,” highlights the need to address climate changes that impact the oceans. 
The Cabinet will lead off events by issuing a Resolution recognizing Florida Oceans Day on April 17 at 9 am at the Cabinet Room in the State Capitol.  On April 18, the Florida Ocean Alliance, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the Florida Institute of Oceanography are sponsoring a reception and ocean exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard for the public, legislators and agency staff. 

Oceans Day Schedule of Events

Tuesday, April 17

9:00 a.m. – Cabinet Resolution Recognizing Florida Oceans Day, Florida Cabinet Room
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Reception at the Capitol Building, 22nd floor.
Sponsor: Mote Marine Laboratory

Wednesday, April 18

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Oceans Day exhibits in the Capitol Rotunda and Courtyard.
Sponsor: Florida Institute of Oceanography
10:00 a.m. – Noon – Oceans Day Roundtable on Climate Change, Telecommunications Room, (2103), The Capitol, 21st Floor. Sponsor: Florida Ocean Alliance
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Global Warming and Our Oceans, FSU Law School Rotunda.
Sponsor: Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition
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“We are focusing on the facts and science associated with climate change and its affects on Florida’s oceans and coasts to highlight awareness by the public and legislators. This fact-based view will help scientists protect and enhance ocean resources for continued social and economic benefits for all Floridians,” said David L. McDonald, chair of the Florida Ocean Alliance and Executive Director of Port Manatee. Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory, added: “The climate change issue challenges Florida to balance conservation with development in facing the state’s obligations to our coastal and marine resources.”

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.

The Florida Ocean Alliance Board of Directors includes: Chair David McDonald of the Florida Ports Council; Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan, President and CEO of the Mote Marine Laboratory; Dr. James Cato of Florida Sea Grant; Dr. Andrew Clark, President of  the Maritime Communications Services; Dr. Duane DeFreese, Director of Research of the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute; Eric Draper, Deputy State Director/Policy Director of Audubon of Florida; Elaine Heldewier, Director of Environmental Health and Safety of Carnival Cruises; Frank Herhold, Executive Director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida; Rob Kramer, President of the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum; Steve Lewis, Attorney at Lewis Longman & Walker; Dr. George A. Maul, College of Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology; Dr. John Ogden, Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography; Dr. Shirley Pomponi, President and CEO at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution; Dr. Ellen Prager, Consultant to the Dean at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami; Richard M. Pruitt, Director of Environmental Programs at Royal Caribbean International Cruises; Jerry Sansom, Executive Director, Organized Fishermen of Florida; Jody Thomas, Director of the Florida Keys Office of The Nature Conservancy.  Staff includes James F. Murley and Dr. Lenore Alpert of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at Florida Atlantic University.