FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2016

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

FLORIDA COASTAL OFFICE FURTHERS MISSION TO PROTECT STATE'S COASTAL RESOURCES

~Series of six PSAs encourage stewardship and appreciation
of aquatic preserves and marine life~

Short videos promote Florida's aquatic preserves and the abundant marine life

within these unique ecosystems. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Furthering its mission to conserve and restore Florida's coastal and aquatic resources, DEP's Florida Coastal Office announces the debut of six public service announcements (PSAs) that educate residents and visitors about the unique ecosystems and species within Florida’s aquatic preserves. The one- to two-minute videos were produced by Pelican Media in cooperation with the aquatic preserves to raise awareness about how we all can play a part in protecting the state's marine resources.

The videos show stunning views of dolphins, bird rookeries, oysters, mangroves, seagrasses and marine life abundant in coastal waters and protected by the state’s 41 aquatic preserves, which span 2 million acres.

“We are so pleased to share the importance of estuaries and their marine life through these short videos,” said Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve Manager Cheryl Clark. “The opportunity to raise awareness of aquatic preserves is especially timely as we begin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Florida’s aquatic preserve program. We appreciate our partnering organizations that were key in helping produce these videos.”

Cameos by representatives from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, conservation organizations, charter companies, marina owners and other local businesses explain how we all can help protect aquatic preserves.

“Visitors come here to see wildlife as well as catch fish, and you suddenly realize that you are much more than a fishing guide - you are an ambassador for the aquatic preserves,” said retired Captain Rob Modys of SoulMate Charters in Ft. Myers. “It’s important for people to know what is going on out here.”

The PSAs are available on DEP’s YouTube channel and are also being made available for distribution to broadcast companies for local air play.

• Dolphin Encounters PSA
  
• Importance of Mangrove Habitats PSA
  
• Law Enforcement in Aquatic Preserves PSA
  
• Fishing in Aquatic Preserves PSA
  
• Viewing Rookery Islands PSA
  
• Seagrass Beds PSA

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. FCO's mission is to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1513a9c