GOVERNOR CRIST ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF SYMPOSIUM
July 7, 2008
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FT. LAUDERDALE – Governor Charlie Crist today joined Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole and more than 2,500 scientists and federal, state and local officials to speak at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Hosted by the United States and Florida, the conference is being held on the mainland United States for the first time in more than 30 years.
Governor Crist held a bill signing ceremony for Senate Bill 1302, which will eliminate the use of ocean outfalls for wastewater disposal in southeast Florida. The Governor discussed the importance of coral reef habitats for our environment and our economy as well as the state’s actions to protect these threatened habitats.
“Coral reefs are extraordinary living ecosystems that draw visitors, support our economy and protect our beaches and homes from erosion and storm surge,” said Governor Crist. “Florida will continue to take steps, such new legislation reducing nutrients and other pollutants in the ocean, that will protect these sensitive ecosystems for residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Furthering protection for Florida’s marine environment, the new legislation, sponsored by Senator Burt Saunders and Representative Stan Mayfield, requires each wastewater facility to develop a detailed plan by 2013 to decrease by 2018 nutrients discharged through the outfalls and by 2025, to eliminate the use of outfalls as the primary disposal method for wastewater. The law prohibits the construction of new ocean outfall pipes or the expansion of the existing outfalls on the southeast Florida coast. Additionally, 60 percent of the water previously discharged from these outfalls will be required to be beneficially reused.
About the International Coral Reef Symposium
Taking place during the International Year of the Reef, the International Coral Reef Symposium convenes every four years and is the largest and most important scientific conference relating to coral reefs worldwide. Sponsored in part by the symposium as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the International Coral Reef Initiative, the International Year of the Reef is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability.
“With this year recognized as the International Year of the Reef, it is a good opportunity to raise awareness, educate and motivate people about the importance and vulnerability of coral reefs,” said DEP Secretary Sole. “Florida is committed to preserving the biodiversity, health, heritage and social and economic value of coral reef ecosystems.”
Reefs for the Future is the theme of this symposium, highlighting the importance of the world’s coral reefs as well as the need for heightened awareness and action to protect them. Degradation and destruction of coral reefs from pollution, overfishing, coastal development and climate change threatens these ecosystems on a global scale. Scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and managers are developing knowledge and implementing science-based strategies to improve and increase coral reef protection. The symposium will focus on current science addressing concepts such as reef structure and function, ecological processes, ecosystem-based management, and human interactions. Field trips and workshops will provide hands-on experience and participation with leaders in the marine science field.
About Florida’s Coral Reefs
An extensive, beautiful coral reef ecosystem stretches more than 100 miles along the southeast Florida coast, from Miami-Dade to Martin County. These reefs are part of the third longest reef system in the world and are one of the greatest natural resources in Florida and the United States. Southeast Florida’s reefs lie just a few hundred yards off the beaches of one of the most highly urbanized coastal communities. Roughly one third of Florida’s 18 million residents live within this region, which attracts more than 25 million visitors a year.
Fishing, diving and boating on Florida’s coral reefs provide a tremendous source of income for Florida and its coastal communities. A study of natural and artificial reefs in Florida showed that reef-related expenditures generate $6.3 billion in sales and income and sustain more than 71,000 jobs annually.
Leading up to the International Coral Reef Symposium this summer, DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program has encouraged public awareness of coral reefs and their importance to Florida’s coastal environment, the commercial and recreational fishing industry and the economy. The Coral Reef Conservation Program leads the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, a coalition of more than 70 state, local and federal partners working to protect Florida’s coral reefs. The initiative is a local action strategy implementing priority actions needed to reduce threats to coral reef resources, including research, monitoring, education and best management practices.
The State of Florida, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also manages the world-renowned coral reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This partnership has helped monitor and protect this fragile coral ecosystem for 30 years.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.
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