I am pleased to extend my sincere thank you to all who attended our Annual Fall Leadership Meeting. Your participation in this event is invaluable as we continue to focus on advancing Florida’s Ocean Economy while promoting sustainable development, innovation, and environmental stewardship. The

support and collaboration of our members is integral to the work we do as an Alliance, and it’s always a privilege to gather with such a dedicated group of professionals committed to the health and future of Florida’s oceans.

This year’s meeting, “Florida’s 21st Century Coastal Transformation: A Focus on the Ocean Economy, Technology, and the Environment,” was a remarkable success. We had the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions on key issues facing our marine industries from coral restoration and seagrass conservation to aquaculture, fishing, and coastal resilience. The contributions from

all of our speakers and attendees have deepened our understanding and further strengthened our collective resolve to ensure the sustainability of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. I would also like

to take a moment to acknowledge the support of our partners and the recent developments within

the state of Florida, including the establishment of the Office of Ocean Economy at Florida Atlantic University. We strongly support this initiative and its efforts to promote sustainable growth and innovation in our ocean economy.

Looking ahead, we are excited to invite you to our next event: Oceans Day 2025 in Tallahassee during the legislative session. This year’s main public events are scheduled for April 1, with exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard along with a fish fry by our Board partners the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the annual Legislative Reception in the Historic Capitol by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. For those who have attended in the past, you know how impactful this event is in advancing our shared priorities with policymakers. For those who are new to Oceans Day, we hope you will join us to advocate for Florida’s ocean and coastal resources. More details are included in this newsletter. Thank you once again for your continued involvement and unwavering support of the Florida Ocean Alliance. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the future of our oceans and the sustainability of our coastal communities.

Sincerely,

Glenn A. Wiltshire

President

On November 14, 2024, the Florida Ocean Alliance hosted its highly anticipated annual leadership meeting and luncheon, bringing together marine and coastal advocates from across the state. The event, held at Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale, was an opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to gather, collaborate, and discuss the future of Florida’s ocean economy and its environmental resilience.

With a packed agenda which included talks from industry, panels, networking, and a silent auction, the event was a resounding success. Glenn Wiltshire, President of the Florida Ocean Alliance and Deputy Port Director of Port Everglades, welcomed attendees to the luncheon.

Above: Panelists engage in a lively discussion on Florida's growing ocean economy, highlighting the newly established Office of Ocean Economy at Florida Atlantic University. Moderated by Wiltshire, the panel featured Representatives Chip LaMarca and Kelly Skidmore, Dr. Colin Polsky of FAU, and industry experts.

Joining him was Mayor Nan Rich, who expressed her gratitude for the support of the Alliance, those in attendance, and for the ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s ocean and coastal resources.

Both Wiltshire and Rich highlighted the importance of the Ocean Economy to Florida’s prosperity. Wiltshire noted that the FOA continues to grow its statewide network of leaders, businesses, and organizations. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the focus will be on Florida’s 21st Century Coastal Transformation, particularly in the areas of ocean technology, resilience, and environmental sustainability.

The first panel discussion of the day focused on Florida’s growing ocean economy. Moderated by Wiltshire, the panel featured key figures such as Representatives Chip LaMarca and Kelly Skidmore, Dr. Colin Polsky of Florida Atlantic University, and a host of industry experts. Together, they discussed the recently established Office of Ocean Economy, which will be housed at Florida Atlantic University.

“We are excited to see how this office, housed at Florida Atlantic University, operates as a convenor. This is about the entire state of Florida, not just FAU or Broward County or Palm Beach County, it is about everything we do, and it is about the Economic Health of our water resources,” Representative Skidmore shared.

The panel discussed the potential of Florida’s ocean resources to drive sustainable economic growth, with a focus on industries such as tourism, shipping, fishing, and energy. The three panelists emphasized that these sectors are not only essential to the state’s economy but also present unique opportunities for innovation and technological advancements, positioning Florida as a leader in ocean-based industries.

 "Our climate here - in addition to our business climate, are some of the reasons that people are moving to Florida. This will drive the Ocean Economy forward, and we need to make sure that people here know that what we are doing is part of the global picture," said Representative Chip LaMarca. As he pointed out, the Office of Ocean Economy seeks to partner with various industries to identify solutions to economic challenges, ensuring Florida maintains a competitive edge in the global ocean economy.

The second panel, moderated by Glenn Wiltshire, focused on protecting Florida’s coastlines for resilience. Experts Jim Murley (retired Chief Resilience Officer for Miami-Dade County) and Rebecca Prado (Moffatt & Nichol) discussed the role of natural infrastructure like mangroves and coral reefs in mitigating rising sea levels and extreme weather. Lisa Symons (NOAA) spoke on coral conservation, while Dr. Sherry Larkin (Florida Sea Grant Program) highlighted sustainable aquaculture efforts. Ryan Brushwood (Sea & Shoreline) emphasized nature-based solutions for both environmental health and the ocean economy. Dr. Paul Hindsley (Everglades Foundation) concluded with insights on the economics of ecosystem protection and its link to long-term prosperity.

After the discussions, attendees had the opportunity to exchange ideas to strengthen Florida’s ocean economy and environmental protection. Wiltshire closed the event by thanking participants

and encouraging continued engagement with FOA through its newsletter and social media, and

he announced the upcoming Oceans Day event in Tallahassee. The successful event

underscored the Florida Ocean Alliance's leadership in advocating for a thriving, sustainable ocean economy in Florida.

Click here to learn more about this event and view a full photo album.

Oceans Day 2025 will take place from Monday, March 31 to Tuesday, April 1, in Tallahassee. The event will commence with the FOA Luncheon at the Governors Club on Monday. On Tuesday, the day’s activities will feature the FIO's Member Exhibits and Fish Fry at the Capitol Plaza, followed by the Mote Legislative Reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Capitol later that evening. Florida Oceans Day is an annual event focused on convening members, stakeholders, officials, and legislators united by a shared commitment to the preservation of Florida’s marine and coastal resources and their critical contribution to sustaining a robust blue economy. This year’s conference will focus on Florida’s Ocean Economy: Building a Sustainable Future, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the State’s coasts and oceans. Florida Oceans Day is organized and hosted by the Florida Institute of Oceanography, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and the Florida Ocean Alliance.

For further information about this event please contact Lenore Alpert. lalpert.foa@gmail.com

To view previous Oceans Day Events, visit our webpage or our photo album.

Jon "JP" Peterson, President at SeaWorld Orlando, and the park have joined the Florida Ocean Alliance as the newest organizational member. This partnership underscores SeaWorld Orlando's dedication to marine conservation, wildlife rescue, and research initiatives. As a key player in animal rescue, SeaWorld has been at the forefront of rehabilitating and releasing thousands of marine animals back into the wild. SeaWorld Orlando's commitment to conservation and the protection of the ocean is further strengthened through its collaboration with the Florida Ocean Alliance, which will help amplify these vital efforts. Peterson will be an excellent addition to our the FOA Board.

By becoming a member, collectively SeaWorld Orlando joins an assembly of organizations working to protect Florida’s vital ocean ecosystems, engage in sustainable practices, and promote ocean conservation through research and education. This membership further strengthens SeaWorld’s ongoing commitment to preserving the health of Florida’s marine life, fostering a future where both wildlife and communities can thrive in harmony with the environment. The Alliance is excited for this new collaboration.

Above: Photo by Authority Magazine; SeaWorld Orlando President Jon Peterson engaging in fieldwork to drive forward SeaWorld's renowned research.

Florida Ocean Alliance Welcomes

Becky Prado, Coastal Resilience Leader at

Moffatt & Nichol as the Newest FOA Board Member

Becky Prado is a Coastal Resilience Leader at Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory firm. With more than 22 years of experience in resilient coastal zone restoration, management, and policy, Prado supports clients in resilience planning, design and implementation. In her early years, she pioneered essential design criteria for green infrastructure and later led Florida’s beach funding and coastal zone management programs.

Her experience working on coastal projects and pursuits, in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Southeast U.S. has provided her an extensive network of colleagues as well as a rare perspective on the individual projects. She specializes in applying this perspective and network to her projects to create actionable solutions through coproduction. Becky received her bachelor’s degree in marine biology from Auburn University and went on to earn her Master of Science in Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama. Florida Ocean Alliance is excited to have Becky share her expertise as a Board Member.

Office of the Ocean Economy Established in Florida

PEV P.O.W.E.R: $53.3 million grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to fund the purchase of electric zero- emission cargo-handling equipment by Crowley and MSC/Port Everglades Terminal LLC. The port received the second highest PIDP grant award in the nation.

Shore Power: $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emission Reduction Act program for portside equipment related to electrical supply for cruise ships at berth.

Shore Power Duct Bank Design Project: $850,000 from MARAD’s PIDP and Community Project Funding for the design and engineering of an underground duct bank.

Air Emissions Inventory Update: $300,000 grant from the EPA Clean Ports Program to study and plan for ways to reduce air emissions from all modes of transportation used at the port. In 2015, Port Everglades was the first port to partner with the EPA on a voluntary air emissions inventory.

To learn more about the port’s environmental initiatives, visit PortEverglades.net/Environment

The Continuum Launches with $13.9M NOAA Grant to Advance BlueTech Solutions in Florida and Beyond

FSBPA Announcing the 38th National Conference on

Beach Preservation Technology

The workshop will provide attendees with a clearer understanding of coastal projects in the pipeline and explore opportunities to regionalize equipment for these initiatives. This session will take place on Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025, prior to the start of the conference.

We are also excited to announce that on Thursday evening, February 6, Visit Panama City Beach will host a bonfire event for us! Enjoy s’mores, charcuterie, and beverages by a warm fire at sunset – it is sure to be a memorable experience! This is just one more reason to attend this year’s Tech Conference.

Be sure to visit our website for more information about the Tech Conference or the 2025 Outlook on Florida Coastal Dredging Projects Workshop.

The Everglades Foundation Partners with

Brightline to Educate the Public About the

Everglades’ Critical Role in Supplying Drinking Water

In an exciting partnership, The Everglades Foundation has joined forces with Brightline to celebrate a joint commitment to restore and protect the Everglades and South Florida’s freshwater. The partnership, which spotlights the Everglades' crucial role in supplying clean water to millions of South Floridians, includes the installation of educational materials throughout Brightline’s South Florida stations. This is Brightline’s first green partnership to bring attention to one of Florida’s most important natural resources, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.

Five million Floridians – including four Brightline stations – and countless tourists get drinking water from the Everglades. Millions more depend on a healthy Everglades for their recreation, tourism, and real estate industries. The Everglades is also home to over 70 federally threatened or endangered species and includes 14 National Wildlife Refuges and four National Parks. 

“It is vital to educate everyone in South Florida on the critical role the Everglades plays in our lives,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation. “Our new partnership with Brightline will help raise awareness among residents and tourists about this unique ecosystem, which provides invaluable resources, including our most important one – drinking water. Restoring the Everglades is not just about protecting natural beauty; it’s about securing our future and ensuring a sustainable environment for generations to come.”

The Everglades, a vast and diverse ecosystem, is an irreplaceable part of South Florida’s natural heritage. The ecosystem, originally spanning over 8,000 square miles – an area the size of New Jersey – has been reduced by half, yet it still receives the same amount of rainfall as when it was much larger. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts are being made to restore the natural flow of water from Lake Okeechobee, reconnect the ecosystem, and preserve this invaluable resource.

To learn more about The Everglades Foundation’s collaboration with Brightline, visit https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/post/new-partnership-with-brightline-raises-everglades-awareness.

Audubon Florida Monitors Shoreline Shifts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Two back-to-back hurricanes rocked Florida this fall, causing extensive changes to Gulf and Atlantic shorelines up and down the Sunshine State. Audubon Florida’s coastal team has hit the sand to monitor these alterations and analyze the impact to both wintering and beach-nesting bird species.

Overall - Across beaches, bays, and barrier islands, sand has moved.

“It’s a mixed bag when you look at everything together,” Director of Bird Conservation Audrey DeRose-Wilson explains. “Our hearts go out to the communities struggling to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. For birds, the situation is more complicated.”

Above: Photo of one of Florida's pristine shorelines, courtesy of Audubon Florida

More Sand - Sand moves around in big storms, pushed by storm surges, tides, and wind. Some areas saw big gains in sand on their beaches, which could provide additional nesting habitat next summer. In Southwest Florida, Shorebird Project Coordinator Megan Hatten reports that low areas at Morgan Beach and Dickman shoals have now filled in. Moreover, across the region, she says: “Large areas of vegetation at many sites have been covered by sand, further altering the landscape.” Plants growing on the beaches may stop bird nesting, so fewer vegetated areas could help next season’s nesting bird families.

Less Sand - In the Tampa Bay region, a barrier island known as Three Rooker North lost vegetation and sand elevation. If high tides or storm surges swamp the entire expanse, it might not continue to support beach-nesting birds. Across Northeast Florida, nesting sites lost sand, continuing sand loss from past storms. The beach at Ft. Matanzas National Monument lost fifteen feet of shoreline, while both Little Talbot Island and Anastasia Island state parks experienced erosion and heavy escarpment (where chunks of beach fall into the surf) along their dune lines. These sites now have narrower stretches of shoreline for birds and beachgoers to share.

Similarly, in Southwest Florida, the Second Chance shoal and Carlos Beach have lost considerable elevation, leaving these coastal areas significantly lower than before the storm.

Islands - Siesta Key experienced extremely high tides during both hurricanes, and sand was pushed over quite a bit of overgrown vegetation. Because of this change, we hope to see it become suitable habitat again for Snowy Plovers in the upcoming breeding season.

Living Shorelines - Just before the storms hit, Audubon nearly finished building a new living shoreline within its Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries (click here to learn more). Early reports are positive: The concrete wave attenuation units did not shift as the storms moved through. Some mangrove trees were lost, which resulted in a loss of water bird nesting habitat, and we are still waiting for additional reports on island erosion. Unfortunately, the storms damaged the dock we had been using for staging materials, so we are working with our contractor to find an additional option to finish the installation before nesting season begins.

Looking Toward the Future - As a consequence of a changing climate and a warmer Gulf of Mexico, we expect more busy storm seasons and intense hurricanes in the coming decades. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to protect people and coastal habitats from surges, wind, and flooding. We need robust planning and strong leadership to improve resilience now and into the future.

For more information contact, Erika Zambello at erika.zambello@audubon.org

Fort Lauderdale, FL November 4, 2024 - The Ocean Exchange, a leader in supporting the acceleration of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy announces the winners of two Neptune awards for $100,000 each and one

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Orcelle award for $100,000 plus two $10,000 Collegiate Awards.

“Now in our 13th year, this award competition continues to attract deserving startups from around the globe. This year, finalists came from 7 countries and represented solutions for critical worldwide issues. We are so fortunate to have the support of sponsors who support our mission of accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy.” said Millicent Pitts, Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Exchange.

The winners were selected from an international list of 15 finalists at the Ocean

Exchange event held October 27-29 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.The 2024 award

recipients are:

• Neptune Award: Ocean Heaven, represented by George Birch, Founder. Ocean Heaven is a marine conservation organization regenerating financially sustainable oyster reefs at scale.
• Neptune Award: Phoenix Waste Solutions, represented by Yuen-Li Chan, Co-Founder. They have developed a patented waste disposal machine that thermally degrades waste into ash working at a molecular level to suppress pollution and does not require any external fuel source.
• Wallenius Wilhelmsen Orcelle® Award: CarbonBridge represented by Manu Pillai, CEO. CarbonBridge uses CO2 and methane with energy efficient microbial conversion techniques to produce ultra-low carbon renewable methanol.

In addition, the event marked the 9th anniversary of the Ocean Exchange Collegiate

awards. Eight finalists competed for the Guy Harvey Foundation Collegiate Award for

$10,000 and the Ocean Exchange Collegiate Award for $10,000.

“Each year, it is so impressive to see how these bright minds come together with

solutions to environmental challenges,” said Guy Harvey Foundation CEO Jessica

Harvey. “It is critical that we continue to encourage and support the next generation of

leaders.”

The 2024 recipients of the two Collegiate Awards are:

PhyCo Technologies, represented by Ranah Chavoshi from Simon Fraser University

and Ceretune LLC, represented by Reid Barnett, from North Carolina State University.

PhyCo™ is a marine biotechnology company focused on seaweed aquaculture and

manufacturing compostable plastics.

Ceretune LLC specializes in installing fibrous aquatic bioscaffolds for water pollution

removal.

About Ocean Exchange:

Ocean Exchange is a global ecosystem whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of

innovative solutions for healthy oceans and the sustainable blue economy. A 501(c)(3), Ocean Exchange fulfills this mission through a rigorous, multi-level program that includes annual monetary awards, promoting registered Solutions Inspiring Action across multiple communication channels, and facilitating access to the global network comprising its Board of Directors, Delegates, Solutions Review Team, Executive Team and other experts from around the world. Ocean Exchange’s mission is funded largely by private donations including those from Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Royal Caribbean, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Oceankind, Marine Research Hub of South Florida, Oceaneering, Angus Littlejohn, Jr. Family, and others who share the passion for healthy oceans. To learn more, visit Oceanexchange.org.

Media Contact:

Susan Zellers, Ocean Exchange Program Director

+1-267-844-2269

susan.zellers@oceanexchange.org

Above: Winners of the 2024 Ocean Exchange Awards (Left to Right): Neptune Awards: Oyster Heaven, George

Birch, and Phoenix Waste Solutions, Yuen-Li Chan and WW Orcelle Winner: CarbonBridge, Manu Pillai.

Photo courtesy of Ocean Exchange.

Above: Winners of the 2024 Collegiate Awards (Left to Right): Ranah Chavoshi from PhyCo and Reid Barnett from Ceretune LLC. Photo Courtesy of OceanExchange

Florida Institute of Oceanography Keys Marine Lab to Return 5,000 Rescued Corals After Bleaching Event

Above: Photo By: University of South Florida University Marketing and Communications. Collaborators of FIO's Keys Marine Lab observe rescued corals to be released.

The Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) is preparing to return over 5,000 rescued corals to the ocean after housing them for three months due to an unprecedented coral bleaching event caused by elevated water temperatures. The corals were temporarily relocated to KML’s temperature-controlled seawater systems, where their health has been assessed and cleared for reintroduction by coral health experts.

With water temperatures now stable, KML scientists, in collaboration with restoration partners, have begun the process of relocating the corals to ocean nurseries. This process is expected to take several weeks or months before the corals can be reattached to natural reefs to aid in the restoration of the ecosystem. KML played a critical role in rescuing thousands of corals, including endangered species, during one of the most severe bleaching events on record.

KML’s efforts are part of broader initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring Florida’s coral reefs, which provide essential habitat for marine life and act as a buffer against storm damage along coastlines. As rising water temperatures continue to threaten coral health, these restoration efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of the reefs. To learn more, click here.

Miami-Dade County Joins Global Effort for 39th Annual International Coastal Cleanup

On Saturday, September 21, Miami-Dade Parks, a vital part of Miami-Dade County, joined millions of volunteers worldwide for the 39th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, the largest one-day volunteer event dedicated to reducing marine debris in oceans and waterways. Since its inception, the event has mobilized over 17 million volunteers, who have collectively removed more than 350 million pounds of trash from coastlines.

The global initiative, led by Ocean Conservancy and organized locally by VolunteerCleanup.org in Miami-Dade County, continued its impactful work in 2023. That year, 3,000 volunteers participated at over 60 sites across the county, collecting 22,232 pounds of plastic trash from shorelines, beaches, and neighborhoods. Volunteers received reusable tote bags with the year's marine animal theme, Magellanic Penguins, and had the opportunity to participate in a contest to uncover the strangest items found along the shores.

As an integral part of Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Parks proudly hosted volunteers and site captains at various locations throughout the county, offering opportunities to earn community service hours. The event, now an annual tradition, highlights the importance of collective action to protect the health of our oceans and environment, underscoring Miami-Dade Parks' commitment to preserving the region's natural resources.

Celebrating Moffatt & Nichol's Achievement in Environmental Stewardship

Moffatt & Nichol, an organizational member of the Alliance, has been honored with the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award by Partners for Environmental Progress for their exemplary work on the Graveline Bay Marsh Restoration Project.

This significant initiative restored 37 acres of vital marshland in the northern Gulf of Mexico, an area facing considerable environmental challenges.

Above: Photo courtesy of Moffatt & Nichol. Recipients

of the 20224 Environmental Stewardship Award.

Utilizing natural and nature-based solutions, Moffatt & Nichol oversaw the construction of 55 marsh mounds, the creation of 30,000 linear feet of marsh fringe habitat, and the restoration of submerged and emergent estuarine habitats. The project not only strengthens the region's resilience to storm events but also sets a precedent for future restoration efforts.

Moffatt & Nichol’s dedication to preserving critical ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability is truly commendable.

Read more here.

Florida Sea Grant’s Florida Friendly Fishing Certificate Programs Earn National Recognition for Outreach Initiatives

Florida Sea Grant's Florida Friendly Fishing certification programs received the 2024 Superior Outreach Programming Teams Award (SOPA) at National Sea Grant Week in Savannah, GA. This award recognizes the Florida Friendly Fishing Guide (FFFG) and Florida Friendly Angler (FFA) courses for promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Launched in 2019 and 2022 in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, these programs aim to support Florida’s 4 million recreational anglers, who contribute $13.8 billion annually to the state's economy. The FFFG program educates for-hire guides on eco-friendly practices, while the FFA course offers lessons on sustainable fishing and conservation, including a newly launched Spanish-translated version to serve Florida’s Hispanic population.

To date, 118 charter captains are certified through FFFG, and 1,206 people have completed FFA. Participants report significant improvements in their fishing practices. The programs have also garnered national recognition, including a 2023 award for excellence in educational technology and marketing, and inspired similar initiatives in other states.

Dr. Maia McGuire, Florida Sea Grant’s Associate Director for Extension and Education, highlighted the program's success in promoting sustainability and looks forward to its continued expansion.

Read more here.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2024: A Global Showcase of Yachts, Innovation, and Economic Impact

The 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) presented an impressive collection of luxury yachts, new boat launches, cutting-edge designs, and industry innovations at one of the top events in the marine sector. This year's show featured major debuts from top boat builders and superyacht manufacturers, showcasing standout vessels that captured the attention of attendees.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show globally, attracted over 100,000 international attendees and generated a statewide economic impact of $1.79 billion. The show spans over 3 million square feet, showcasing approximately $4 billion in products, including superyachts, sport fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis, and marine accessories. It serves as both a major consumer event and a crucial business-to-business platform, drawing decision-makers from the global marine industry.

FLIBS highlights include themed areas like Super Yacht Village, Performance Village, and the Yachting Pavilion, along with unique attractions such as exotic car displays, personal submarines, water toys, and a Kid Zone. It also features both new and pre-owned boats, live entertainment, and educational seminars. The show is held at seven locations, with convenient land and water transport. Since 2018, a news crews have expanded the show’s reach, offering a broader audience a virtual experience of this premier event.

Above: Photo courtesty of MIASF. Photo of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, highlighting the impressive collection that brings a major economic impact to Florida.

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Glenn Wiltshire, President

Port Everglades

Spencer Crowley, Vice President

Akerman LLP

Jackie Larson, Secretary

Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association

Jeff Eble, Ph.D., Treasurer

Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute

Paul Anderson

Executive Committee

Port Tampa Bay

Duane E. De Freese, Ph.D.

Executive Committee

Indian River Lagoon Council

John Hutton

Restructuring Advisor & Shareholder

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Holly Baumgartner, Ph.D.

NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences 

The Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center 



Michael Crosby, Ph.D.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Richard Dodge, Ph.D.

Director Emeritus

Kumar Mahadevan, Ph.D.

Founding Member

Director Emeritus

David McDonald

McDonald, Miller & Coleman LLC

Director Emeritus

James F. Murley, Esq.

Founding Member

Executive Committee

Miami-Dade County

Office of Resilience

Gretchen Winters

Florida Harbor Pilots Association

Julie Wraithmell

Audubon of Florida



Bradley Watson

The Everglades Foundation

Carter Henne

Sea & Shoreline

Jon Peterson

SeaWorld Orlando

Becky Prado

Moffatt & Nichol

Lenore Alpert, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Alexis Meschelle

Organized Fishermen of Florida



Jeff Watters

The Ocean Conservancy

Susan Zellers

Ocean Exchange

www.FloridaOceanAlliance.org

Florida Ocean News is published by the Florida Ocean Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, private-public partnership of private industry, trade, academic and environmental organizations promoting awareness and understanding of the ocean’s importance to the economy and environment of Florida.