Florida Ocean & Coastal Coalition Big Hit with Governor

April 27 2007 |
by Surfrider Foundation

Citing escalating problems with coastal pollution, red tide outbreaks, plummeting fish catches and overdeveloped beaches, over 160 coastal and ocean businesses, civic, outdoor, and conservation organizations have now signed on to the report, “Florida’s Coastal and Ocean Future: A Blueprint for Economic and Environmental Leadership,” originally published in September 2006 and reprinted this April, for protecting and preserving Florida’s coastal environment and economy. It is the first time such a large number of diverse groups has joined together in the name of comprehensive ocean conservation for Florida. Surfrider chapters in Florida have been a crucial element in this report.

Raising the importance of our ocean and coastal resources from just one day to a whole week, the Governor and his Cabinet recognized the work of the Coalition and passed a resolution declaring the week of April 16-20 Oceans Week...

To celebrate the day (and week) the Coalition held a cocktail reception at the FSU law school for legislators and the public which was sponsored by Twin Fin Wines. Speaker Captain Dan Kipnis, an ardent fisheries conservationist, discussed Global Warming and its effect on Florida's ocean and coastal environments. Using a fishing-focused theme Captain Kipnis incorporates unique underwater video, trophy catch photos and advanced scientific modeling to demonstrate the issues Florida must face in the future. Former Charter Boat Captain and Past-President of the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club, Kipnis serves on the South Florida Climate Change Task Force.