MEDIA ADVISORY: Nov. 5, 2014

CONTACT: Renee Wilson, 239-530-5958, Renee.Wilson@dep.state.fl.us

CHARITY FISHING TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS
ROOKERY BAY RESERVE

~Guardian Anglers catch-and-release challenge begins Nov. 7~

NAPLES – The Friends of Rookery Bay and Coastal Conservation Association of Florida are co-hosting the Guardian Anglers Charity Fishing Tournament on Nov. 7-8, 2014. The fundraiser will engage local anglers in a catch-and-release challenge with proceeds benefiting both organizations. Men, women and children anglers are invited to participate.

This two-day event begins Friday evening with the captains’ meeting and reception for all anglers and includes cocktail party, live and silent auctions, and raffles at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. On Saturday, anglers may depart from any location they choose within tournament boundaries - from Gordon Pass to Lostman’s River - at safe light. The day concludes with an awards dinner at Pelican Bend Restaurant on Isles of Capri. The cost for anglers to participate is $100. Tickets are also available for non-anglers to attend the evening events. The cost to attend the event Friday evening is $10 and Saturday is $20.

WHAT: Guardian Anglers Charity Fishing Tournament

WHEN: Nov. 7-8, 2014

WHERE: Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The event hosts, both 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, are seeking sponsors to help make this event a success. The Friends of Rookery Bay supports fisheries research and habitat restoration efforts underway within the 110,000 acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida's members protect our marine fisheries resources. Online registration is available here.

About the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay Reserve was established in 1978 as a partnership between the state of Florida and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The reserve is one of 28 research reserves operating across the nation. DEP’s Florida Coastal Office manages Rookery Bay Reserve along with 41 aquatic preserves, two other National Estuarine Research Reserves and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The Florida Coastal Office’s programs and activities are designed to help Floridians better understand and conserve the state’s resources through research, education and conservation. For more information about the reserve, please visit www.rookerybay.org. For more information on DEP’s Florida Coastal Office, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/da8121