BISCAYNE BAY AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLIC MEETING

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 09/01/2011 01:27 PM EDT

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT: September 1, 2011

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

BISCAYNE BAY AQUATIC PRESERVES MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLIC MEETING

~The public is invited to comment on goals and direction for Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves~

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves mangroves, located within Oleta River State Park, are some of the oldest in Miami-Dade County.

MIAMI - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (BBAP) will hold a public meeting Wednesday, September 7, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to discuss the first-ever Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves Management Plan. The meeting will be held at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science auditorium located next to the Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key.

Members of the public are highly encouraged to attend the meeting to provide comment and feedback on the draft BBAP Management Plan. Discussion will cover topics such as water quality, education, resource monitoring and research, public use and other issues related to BBAP. The final plan will guide how the preserves are managed for the next 10 years.

Please contact Pamela Sweeney at 305.795.3486 or Pamela.Sweeney@dep.state.fl.us for more information.

The meeting will take place:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Auditorium

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway

Miami, Florida 33149

Please note that this meeting and management plan are not related to Biscayne National Park’s management planning efforts. Please visit http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/bisc for more information on Biscayne National Park.

About Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (BBAP)

Miami’s two aquatic preserves protect nearly 70,000 acres of submerged lands that serve as nursery ground for recreational and commercial fish and invertebrate species, as well as birds, mammals and reptiles. BBAP was established for the purpose of preserving and enhancing Biscayne Bay so its biological and aesthetic values may endure to preserve the home of species and habitats unique to southeast Florida. The beauty of Biscayne Bay continues to educate and inspire a new generation, supports the local economy, provides recreational opportunities and fosters a sense of community while attracting international visitors each year.

About DEP's Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA)

CAMA manages three National Estuarine Research Reserves, 41 aquatic preserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. CAMA’s programs and activities are designed to help Floridians better understand and conserve the state’s resources through research, education and preservation. For more information visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.

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