SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ECOTOUR OPERATORS RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 04/27/2016 03:08 PM EDT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2016

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

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA ECOTOUR OPERATORS RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING

~Participants receive Certificates of Recognition~

eco photo

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.