FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 18, 2013
DEP LAUNCHES NEW SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
~New accounts provide timely information about Florida’s Coral and Aquatic Preserve programs ~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has launched six new social media accounts as part of an ongoing effort to keep Floridians and online users better informed of research, events and news related to the Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas. Social media users can now find the latest news on Florida’s 4.5 million acres of managed coastlines and aquatic preserves through Twitter and Facebook.
"Our aquatic preserves protect Florida's natural resources on millions of acres throughout the state,” said CAMA Director Kevin Claridge. “Using social media to showcase these places and what is found within them is a great
way to keep Floridians and people worldwide updated on exciting activities and
how to access our natural resources appropriately.”
By implementing these new accounts, the Department is working to improve public interaction and increase educational outreach among Floridians by keeping in tune with the ever-growing social media trend.
The Department encourages Floridians and interested users worldwide to follow the accounts below for news related to the Department and Florida's environment:
Aquatic Florida on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aquatic_FL
For information on the Office’s wide-ranging programs and daily activities, Twitter users can follow @AQUATIC_FL. This account provides followers with information on statewide and local information and activities. From environmental news to events and news from the field, this Twitter account will keep users informed of day-to-day activities. Each week will focus on a different site with a daily tweet with news and information of that location.
Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBendSeagrassesAquaticPreserve
Spanning over 984,000 acres, the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is the largest aquatic preserve and one of the most pristine places in Florida. It encompasses the second largest continuous area of seagrass in the Gulf of Mexico, for which it is world renown. ‘Like’ this page and learn all about the importance of seagrass for your Florida life style.
The Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianRiverLagoonAP
The Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves Field Office manages seven Aquatic Preserves, over 95,000 acres, of the Indian River Lagoon from Volusia to Palm Beach County.The Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse places in the nation. ‘Like’ this page to learn something new about Florida’s environment.
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiscayneBayAquaticPreserves
The Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves oversees 67,000 acres of submerged lands that include seagrass beds, mangroves, hardbottom communities and sand flats. ‘Like’ this page to find activities on and around the Bay.
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserves on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsteroBayAquaticPreserve
Estero Bay was designated as Florida's first aquatic preserve in 1966. Aquatic preserve staff work to preserve the bay in its essentially natural condition, so that the aesthetic, biological and scientific values endure for the enjoyment of future generations. ‘Like’ this page and see how history has kept a gem of Florida shining today.
Florida’s Coral Program on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloridasCoralProgram
The Coral Reef Conservation Program's vision is that the health and management of Florida’s coral reefs and associated reef resources are improving and global coral reef conservation goals are being met effectively to ensure sustainable marine resources and a high quality of life for the State of Florida, its citizens and visitors, today and in the future. ‘Like’ this page to see astounding coral pictures.
Aquatic Florida on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/aquaticflorida/
This page, launched last year, shares photos of aquatic preserve activities, neat critters seen, available activities on state-owned and managed properties and the work that Department staff is doing to protect the environment. Come check out the beauty of Florida through photos shared through this account.
These new accounts will join the other existing social media
accounts that the Department actively updates. Together, these accounts
reach more than 50,000 users.
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