OCEAN COMMOTION 2010
Sep 21, 2010
Lee Campus - September 13, 2010
Edison State College presents OCEAN COMMOTION 2010 - Specialists Share Insights on Challenges Affecting Local Waters
Are you curious how, or if, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will impact local fisheries? Interested in what's being done to combat persistent marine debris problems? Wondering why a red-drift alga washes up on your beach? Or why healthy mangrove forests are critical for a healthy estuary? Learn about these environmental issues and more as local researchers, educators and non-profit groups share their expertise at Edison State!
Throughout the week of September 20th-24th, Edison State College’s Lee Campus will host Ocean
Commotion 2010, a series of events, lectures and films intended to raise awareness about marine environmental issues and highlight what is being done locally to protect and preserve our beautiful waters.
Dr. Rozalind Jester, a science professor at Edison State College, has worked closely with several local marine science and conservation groups as part of her course curriculum. She and her students have also volunteered for both Keep Lee County Beautiful and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to assist in cleanup and litter prevention programs and habitat restoration projects. Through these activities, Jester realized that more people should be aware of work being done locally and asked a few of her contacts to share their insights with the community at Edison State. Oceans Commotions 2010 was born.
Jester is enthusiastic about the program. “I hope that people take away from the programs a deeper understanding of how delicately balanced the marine ecosystem is, knowledge of the most common issues threatening our waters, and a sense of hope that there are A LOT of positive changes being made to protect, conserve and restore the health of our oceans and local estuaries!” she explained.
Ocean Commotion 2010 will be held Sept 20-24th at Edison State College, 8099 College Parkway in Fort Myers. Ocean Commotion 2010 events are free and open to the public. Mark your calendars for the following Ocean Commotion events:
Monday 9/20, Ocean Commotion Fair
11am – 1pm ESC Courtyard in front of Taeni Hall
Several local organizations – including Keep Lee County Beautiful (KLCB), C.R.O.W., Turtle Time and many more – will highlight how they help protect marine life and support a healthy environment. Students in Edison State’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will present a display emphasizing the importance of making sustainable seafood choices. Don’t miss the chance to see their displays and meet the folks behind the scenes!
Tuesday 9/21, Understanding our Coastal Ecosystems
11am – 12pm Taeni Hall S106/107
Speakers Eric Milbrandt, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) researcher, and James Evans, marine scientist for the City of Sanibel, will teach us about local mangrove restoration efforts and what contributes to harmful algae blooms in the region.
Wednesday 9/22, Dealing with Debris
11am – 12pm Taeni Hall S106/107
Representatives from KLCB and Lee County Waste management will teach us about where all this trash comes from and what we can be done about it!
12pm – 1pm: Film viewing “Addicted to Plastic”
Thursday 9/23, State of Local Fisheries
11am – 12pm AA Bldg Multi Purpose Room
How will the recent oil spill in the Gulf impact our valued fisheries?
Bryan Fluech and Joy Hazell from Florida Sea Grant will discuss one of Floridians favorite topics – fishing!
12pm – 1pm: Film viewing “End of the Line”
Friday 9/24 Shark Conservation
11am – 1pm AA Bldg Multi Purpose Room
Film viewing “Sharkwater”
For more information about Ocean Commotion 2010 at Edison State College, please contact Dr. Rozalind Jester rjester@edison.edu or Professor Cheryl Black crblack2@edison.edu.
Last Updated: September 21, 2010
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