FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2016
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ECOTOUR OPERATORS RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING
~Participants receive Certificates of Recognition~
Participants receiving a “Certificate of Recognition” for
having completed all four classes included (l to r): Marilyn O’Dea (Ostego Bay
Foundation), Laura Paradiso (Goodtime Charters), Maureen Goranson (Goodtime
Charters), Scott Hall (Fish Tale Marina), Andrea James (Goodtime Charters),
Erik Brush (Manatee Guides), Tim Martell (Manatee Guides), Connie Langmann
(GAEA Guides), Vince McGrath (Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina) and Sissel
Robertson (Crazy Women Kayaks).
FORT MYERS BEACH,
Fla. – DEP's Florida Coastal Office (FCO) has recognized representatives from 12
ecotour companies for participating in the Ecotour Provider Environmental
Education Program at Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The program was supported by VISIT FLORIDA’s Cultural, Heritage, Rural and Nature Marketing Grant program.
FCO offered the program to ecotour providers so they can better educate their clients and better protect
the unique ecosystems and species preserved within Estero Bay. Twenty-two
professionals participated in the environmental education and training, and the 10 participants who attended all four
sessions received certificates of recognition.
“We are so pleased to present this important opportunity for Estero Bay tour providers to get to know their estuary,” said Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve Manager Cheryl Clark. “Partnering organizations were key in providing this comprehensive training.
The four sessions covered a variety of topics including: Estero Bay
geology and watershed, marine life in the bay, ethical dolphin viewing and
local conservation efforts. Trainees also participated in a boat tour of the Estero
Bay Aquatic Preserve for hands-on experience in fish, bird and mangrove
identification.
The following organizations gave presentations as part of the program: NOAA, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,
Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Good Time Charter, the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Estero Bay Buddies,
and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
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