FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2015
GTM RESEARCH RESERVE MARINELAND OFFERS LECTURE:
OYSTERS IN OUR OWN BACK YARD
~Attend a free lecture to learn about restoring
lost oyster reefs and how you can help~
PONTE VEDRA BEACH -
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve invites
the public to a free lecture, "Oysters in Our Own Back Yard," on
Tuesday, March 17 at the Marineland Field Office.
"Eastern oysters are a keystone species in local estuaries, providing a
variety of important environmental benefits, including habitat for marine
organisms, shoreline erosion protection and improved water quality through
filtering many gallons of water a day," said Michael Shirley, director of
the GTM Research Reserve.
According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the oyster population worldwide has decreased by up to 85 percent. This loss
has created a demand for restoring oyster reefs.
Matt Monroe, outreach coordinator with Northeast Florida Aquatic Preserves,
will discuss restoring lost oyster reefs and community efforts to enhance or
create new reefs. Recycling oyster shells from local restaurants and special
events has provided a sustainable source of shell for restoring these
much-needed reefs. He will explain the work that goes into the restoration and
how anyone interested can get involved.
Monroe holds an environmental science and policy degree from the University of
South Florida, St. Petersburg, with a focus on fisheries and habitat
restoration. He worked with Tampa Bay Watch on their oyster habitat restoration
program in Tampa Bay, deploying oyster domes and building reefs with
volunteers.
The program is part of an ongoing third-Tuesday-of-the-month lecture series
designed to help inform the public about their coastal natural world. These
events are free, but space is limited. Reservations can be made
by calling 904-823-4500.
WHAT: Lecture: "Oysters in Our Own Back
Yard"
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17
10 - 11 a.m.
WHERE: GTM Marineland Office
9741 N. Ocean Shore Blvd.
Marineland, FL 32137
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