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What is SEFCRI • What is LAS • SEFRI Partners • SEFRI Focus Teams

pics SEFCRI Focus Teams

FDOU • AA • LBSP • MICCI

Awareness and Appreciation (AA)

The Awareness and Appreciation (AA) Focus Team was formed to address coral reef degradation that can be attributed to a lack of knowledge or understanding by the general public. Lack of awareness and appreciation is a significant source of the continued degradation of this ecosystem and is recognized by the United States Coral Reef Task Force as a threat to reefs. Impacts from activities conducted by users unaware of the presence and vulnerability of the reef could be reduced through a combination of strategies to increase awareness and refine some use practices. The aim of the projects in the local action strategy for this focus area is to encourage positive behaviors and decisions that benefit coral reefs among citizens and visitors in southeast Florida.

Goals and Objectives

One of the key objectives of the AA Focus Team is to educate the residents and visitors to the region about our diverse near shore coral resources, the benefits of these resources, as well as current threats and conservation actions that individuals can take to protect our coral reefs and marine environment.

Team Membership

The AA team is comprised of fourteen member organizations, which include:

  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Federal Navigator
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast District Office – State Navigator
  • Florida Sea Grant, Broward County Extension Education – Local Navigator
  • Tropical Audubon Society – NGO Navigator
  • Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve
  • Cry of the Water
  • Florida Sea Grant, Miami-Dade County Extension
  • International Game Fish Association
  • Palm Beach Environmental Resource Management
  • Reef Environmental Education Foundation
  • The Cline Group
  • University of Miami

The navigators listed above are the primary points of contact for the AA Focus Team and are responsible for representing SEFCRI and the AA Focus Team within their agencies and/or to stakeholders.
*Links for each of these member organizations are provided under SEFCRI Partners.

Project Examples

The AA team is working to implement 31 projects over the course of five years. These projects include the creation of outreach materials such as brochures, exhibits, hotel tent cards and this website; teacher trainings; public service announcements; and posting coral reef signage at public boat ramps in the four SEFCRI Counties. The team also conducted a Needs Assessment Study to better understand coral reef knowledge, attitudes and practices of residents, visitors and stakeholder groups in the SEFCRI region. You may view all 31 of the AA team's projects by visiting this site and clicking on the SEFCRI Local Action Strategy.

Anticipated Outcomes

  • Better coordinated and targeted coral reef ecosystem outreach and education effort in southeast Florida
  • Increased positive behaviors and decisions that benefit coral reefs
  • A well-educated media that will communicate important reef conservation messages

#1:
Corals off Broward County, FL Photo:
Dave Gilliam, National Coral Reef Institute
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You may view the SEFCRI Charter, LAS document, meeting archives and minutes at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral