News & Notes

Unlike the well-publicized turmoil of pelicans, turtles, fish and other obvious animal victims of the Gulf oil spill, the fate of corals more than 1,000 feet below the surface remains unknown. Scientists haven't been able to visit any of the at-least-three extensive deepwater reefs lying directly beneath the oil slick. Yet it is not the slick that troubles them; they fear vast plumes of partly dissolved oil spreading in the deep ocean that could prove highly toxic to coral reefs.
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There are plenty of ways the oil spill might threaten corals in the Gulf. Besides simply coating them in oil, the spill could deprive corals of oxygen because air doesn't dissolve in oil. Both oil and dispersants (which chemically resemble dishwashing detergent) hamper the ability of corals to colonize and reproduce, and the effects are amplified when the two are mixed. The application of dispersants is already highly discouraged in the Florida Keys because of their known toxic effects to coral. Studies, however, are limited to the shallow-water variety of corals; essentially no research has been conducted on their slow-growing deepwater cousins.
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Still, there is reason to hope deepwater corals can escape serious harm. Deep-sea currents are slower than surface currents, limiting the ability of deeper plumes to spread extensively. And oil and chemicals will disperse as they migrate away from the site of the blowout. In addition, the existence of natural oil seeping into the Gulf suggests deepwater corals may have adapted to the presence of low-level concentrations of oil. But even if they do survive, deepwater corals grow very slowly, so it's not clear how long it would take them to bounce back completely.
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Source: The New York Times, Discovery News

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Ready for a new challenge that will also help the Marine Sanctuary? Get your team together and register for the first-ever Lionfish Derbies in the Florida Keys. Participants who remove lionfish from sanctuary waters will be eligible for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes!
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REEF and FKNMS have been working to remove invasive lionfish since early 2009. Scientists are concerned about the species' rapid population growth because lionfish lack a natural predator in the Atlantic. Lionfish are known to feed on commercially and ecologically important fish species — including snapper, grouper and shrimp — and can disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem.
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Following detailed briefings on lionfish collecting and handling, derby participants will be allowed to collect fish on the day of the tournament using hand nets or spearfishing gear. The $100 registration fee for a four-person team includes a pair of puncture resistant gloves and tickets to the awards banquet, which will feature a lionfish tasting. NOAA has developed an “Eat Lionfish” campaign that brings together fishing communities, wholesalers and chefs in an effort to broaden U.S. consumers’ awareness of this delicious invader.
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Derby dates and locations: Sept. 11 - Coconuts Restaurant, Key Largo; Oct. 16 - Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, Marathon; Nov. 13 - Hurricane Hole Marina, Key West. More information.

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Boaters wishing to adopt eco-friendly practices should implement the following boating tips from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (EPA):

• Fill fuel tanks just before leaving on a trip.
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow.
• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge “sock” in the bilge to prevent oil leakage into waterways; replace regularly.
• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks.
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners to clean.
• Conserve water; use a spray nozzle on hoses.
• Keep vessel engine clean to spot and repair leaks.
• Use premium two-cycle engine oil.
• Never discharge raw sewage. Use marina pumpout stations and rinse holding tanks regularly.
• Use restrooms on shore.
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) such as fragile seagrass beds.
• Watch the wake; it can lead to shoreline erosion and disturb wildlife.
• Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging; plastic is deadly to fish and birds.
• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard; they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate).
• Obey laws governing speeding, littering and discharge.
• Support marinas that are environmentally responsible.

To learn more about the Florida Clean Marina Program and clean boating practices, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

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Miami Seaquarium Gives Back offers local charities the opportunity to earn money while giving supporters a discount. Download the specially-marked coupon to receive 20% off regular admission for up to 6 people. For each admission, Sanctuary Friends will receive $5! Offer expires Dec. 17, 2010. Download your 20% Off coupon.

It’s not too late to catch some of the special “Blue August” programming on Planet Green Channel looking at the world's water issues. Join Philippe Cousteau (grandson of legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau) and his sister, Alexandra, as they look at the Gulf oil spill, sharks and the dire state of the world's fresh water. Planet Green's six-part series will feature the Academy Award-winning documentary "The Cove” (premiering August 30 at 9/8c and again in the Reel Impact Documentary Series September 4 at 10/9c), along with programs like "Coastwatch," which follows a New Zealand team from the Ministry of Fisheries as they patrol water for illegal fishing and poachers. TV Schedules and Channel Finder.

Certified divers can explore the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail — a string of sunken vessels and artificial reefs — and be awarded for logging back-to-back wreck dives or dives on subsequent visits through Jan. 1, 2012. Divers taking up the challenge receive a “Wreck Trek” logbook that highlights nine shipwrecks from Key Largo to Key West including Spiegel Grove, Duane, Bibb, Eagle, Thunderbolt, Adolphus Busch Sr., Cayman Salvager, Joe’s Tug and Vandenberg.
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After one wreck dive in each district of the Keys, divers receive a personalized collage of wrecks suitable for framing. Upon completing all nine wreck dives, participants are entered to win grand prizes including dive equipment and dive-and-stay lodging packages.

The Green Business Program provides businesses in the Florida Keys with a set of online tools to green their operations and improve their bottom line. The three main tools of the DIY program include an application & checklist, a waste assessment form and a baseline utility tracker, which guide participants in the various ways to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and demonstrate best environmental practices. The program is the first of its kind to address lessening the environmental impact of small businesses in the Florida Keys.
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The online tools are available to any business for downloading and use at no charge. A fee is charged for an on-site certification assessment. If all standards are met, the business becomes certified as a Green Business Partner, a recognition that includes several rewards and incentives. The program is sponsored by Florida Keys GLEE. Find out how to Get Certified.

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Dear Friends:
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This month we celebrate our 20th issue of News & Notes. Since our inaugural e-blast in January 2009, we have gone from 298 subscribers to nearly 2,000! We’ve come a long way, but we want to continue to grow by offering YOU a newsletter that is interesting, informative and inspiring.
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But how do we know? Our Board of Directors and staff believe we are presenting something worth opening, reading and “clicking” on, but without reader input, we can't be sure. For example, last month we changed our format. Did you notice? Tell us!
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So we’re offering you an incentive to share your thoughts. Anyone who emails feedback in the next two weeks will be eligible for a drawing for a Sanctuary Friends embroidered polo shirt. We have a variety of styles, sizes and colors, so you’ll have your pick of the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. One-sentence responses are eligible; one-word, not so much. And as an extra incentive, we’ll give away an additional shirt to the response we find most useful. Consider it like striving for the “Most Helpful Review” (favorable OR critical) on amazon.com.
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And, please, don’t just send us your comments this month, but keep a dialog with us throughout the year. One really great way to continue to share your thoughts and opinions is through our Facebook page.
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Thanks for your support as we continue together on this journey.
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Katie Leigh,
Newsletter Editor

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Please add your upcoming events to our online Florida Keys Environmental Event Calendar. This community-wide resource allows any environmentally-related organization or group to set up an account and post events.
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Coral Spawning Full Moons
Aug. 24 & Sept. 23
Though an exact date of mass spawning cannot be guaranteed, the phenomenon is believed to be triggered by the lunar cycle and culminate the week following the full moon. To participate in coral spawning night dives in the Florida Keys, contact a local professional dive operator.

Coral Spawning Dive Spectacular
Aug. 26 – Sept. 2, Amoray Dive Resort, MM 104.5, Key Largo
World-renowned authors/ photographers Ned and Anna DeLoach will host a week-long dive and educational event centering around the annual Coral Spawning. Video and slide presentations will be given by the DeLoaches, as well as Lauri MacLaughlin and Ken Nedimyer. Dives will include: night coral spawning, coral restoration work and fishwatching / survey skills. Book signing receptions will be held on Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 from 7-9 pm. Join in for the entire week or a just a dive or two. Contact Amoray Dive Resort for the full schedule and more information. Tel: 800-426-6729

Lionfish Derbies
Sept. 11, Coconuts Restaurant, Key Largo
Oct. 16, Keys Fisheries Market and Marina, Marathon
Nov. 13, Hurricane Hole Marina, Key West
See the article in this newsletter or get more information online.

Immerse Yourself! Monthly Seminar
Sept. 15, 7 pm, History of Diving Museum, MM 83, Islamorada
“Adventures in Underwater Exploration” by Eric Smith. Series continues every third Wednesday.

Pubic Comment Period Ends for Red Snapper Rule
Sept. 27
The proposed rule would implement Amendment 17A for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region that addresses overfishing of red snapper in the South Atlantic.
More information and FAQ about the amendment.
Submit comments electronically.

EcoWeek Florida Keys
Nov. 1-14
Inaugural Keys-wide event to educate and celebrate environmental preservation. Special activities in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys to celebrate healthy living, a healthy planet and peaceable and sustainable communities. www.ecoweekfloridakeys.com

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Memorial Donations

Tony Quinones

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Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys
11450 Overseas Hwy., Suite 102
Marathon, Florida 33050
Tel: (305) 289-2288 Fax: (305) 289-2289
info@SanctuaryFriends.org
www.SanctuaryFriends.org