Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Team OCEAN at Rookery Bay

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Oswald Richardson
6 years ago
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1 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Team OCEAN at Rookery Bay

2 What is Team OCEAN? Why have it at Rookery Bay? How is it implemented?

3 Partnership + +

4 National Estuarine Research Reserves Partnership between: Federal government: NOAA Coastal states: Florida DEP 28 NERRs across U.S. and in Puerto Rico

5 Rookery Bay NERR Approx. 110,000 acres Habitats include mangrove forest, uplands, and coastal waters Mission: provide a basis for informed coastal decisions through land management, research, and education

6 Naples Reserve HQ and Environmental Learning Center Marco Island Goodland Ten Thousand Islands Everglades NP

7 Florida Sea Grant National Sea Grant College Program Partnership between NOAA (federal) and universities Every coastal state, every Great Lakes State, and Puerto Rico and Guam Research and education for wise use of coastal resources

8 Team OCEAN Ocean Conservation Education Action Network

9 Team OCEAN at Rookery Bay Provide outreach and interpretation for members of the public who use Rookery Bay Target high-use areas Encourage good practices through education and setting a good example Support the Resource Department s stewardship activities Signage, postings, etc. Volunteer-based Not an enforcement effort

10 Coastal Resource Use in Collier County

Collier County Facts and Figures, 2011 21,7000 boats registered Residents as well as seasonal visitors Over 50,000 saltwater fishing licenses issued

11 Collier County Facts and Figures, ,7000 boats registered Residents as well as seasonal visitors Over 50,000 saltwater fishing licenses issued $167 million in annual economic impact 2,200 marine industries jobs Rookery Bay encompasses many of the prime boating destinations in Collier County

12 How are valuable are coastal habitats to the economy? Habitat: Mangroves Economic service: Recreation Value per Hectare: $19, per year Number of Hectares in Ten Thousand Islands (partial): 7,565 Gross economic value of Recreation from Mangrove habitat to Marco community: $146,004, per year

13 Ecosystem Services Valuation How are valuable are coastal habitats to the economy? Habitat: Beaches Economic service: Recreation Value per Hectare: $4,553, per year Number of Hectares on Marco Island: 170 Number of Hectares on Key (Keewaydin) Island: 82 Gross economic value of Recreation from Beach habitat to Marco community: $11,473, per year

14 How are valuable are coastal habitats to the economy? Beach habitat: Mangrove habitat: Total value $11,473, per year $146,004, per year $157,478, per year 96.1% of Collier County s economy is affected by tourism and recreation, one of the highest in the state!!!

15 Keewaydin Island

16 Team OCEAN Messages Leave no trace Boat safely and responsibly Know and follow fishing regulations and use catch and release methods to protect fish Learn a little bit about Rookery Bay ecosystems, plants, or animals to increase enjoyment and appreciation for them Enjoy, use, and protect Rookery Bay and other coastal areas

17 Leave No Trace Dispose of trash properly Stay on designated trails

18 Boating and Fishing Follow fishing regulations Boat safely and obey posted speed zones Dispose of fishing line properly

19 Understand and Protect Wildlife What is an estuary? Don t disturb wildlife Keep pets leashed

20 Volunteer Jobs Interpretation Knows basic information about rules and regulations and the natural history of Rookery Bay Talks with visitors and provides information Assists boat operator if necessary

21 Boat operation Volunteer Jobs Knows how to safely operate small motorboats 19-foot Carolina Skiff Follows all boating rules and regulations Talks with visitors and provides information

22 An Outreach Session Pack materials and ride to Keewaydin Island Walk the island s shore and Record the number of boats and contacts with visitors Talk with as many groups as possible Answer questions and provide appropriate information Depending on conditions, may last 2-4 hours Pick up trash during the walk Pack up and return to dock

23 Volunteer Requirements Enjoy talking with people Enjoy being outside or on the water Have an interest in Rookery Bay s resources and wildlife Be able to tolerate sun, wind, waves, heat, biting insects Be professional, responsible, and reliable Volunteer a minimum of once a month; more frequently preferred

24 Volunteer Benefits Promote good stewardship practices and safe boating Learn more about Rookery Bay s ecosystems and wildlife Meet and talk with new people Spend time outdoors Give back to a place you already enjoy

25 Questions? (239)

Survival in an Estuary. Life in a Transition Zone

Survival in an Estuary. Life in a Transition Zone Estuary An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water which has a free connection with the open sea and within which sea water is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage. (D.