Ocean Acidification and the Socioeconomic Effects of Climate Change Among Topics of Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting

Aug. 04, 2009

Media Contact:

Karrie Carnes
305-809-4700 x236

 

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Sanctuary Advisory Council

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) will meet August 18, 2009, at the Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway, Marathon beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend; there will be opportunities for public comment at 10:05 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

At 10:30 a.m., Billy Causey, director of the southeast region of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, will discuss ocean acidification and its potential impacts to the national system of sanctuaries and the Florida Keys.

Hans Hoegh-Guldberg, of Economic Strategies Pty Ltd, will present at 11:00 a.m. on the potential socioeconomic effects of climate change in the Florida Keys. The four scenarios discussed are the result of five workshops held throughout the Keys in 2008.

FWC's Tarpon Genetic Recapture Program will be the topic of the 2:45 p.m. presentation by Kathryn Guindon. The program utilizes tarpon DNA samples drawn by volunteer anglers from around the state of Florida and neighboring states to provide data on how the fish move and survive catch and release.

The SAC was established to provide the sanctuary, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the State of Florida advice on implementation of the sanctuary’s final management plan. SAC members also serve as liaisons to the community regarding sanctuary issues. SAC members relay the community’s interests, concerns, and management needs to the sanctuary.

The sanctuary was established in 1990 in recognition of the special resources found in and around the waters of the Florida Keys. NOAA and the State of Florida jointly developed a comprehensive plan to protect and manage sanctuary resources. For more information, visit the Sanctuary’s web site at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov. A current list of SAC members may be found at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac/members.html.