Milbrandt, Evans to speak during Ocean Commotion 2010 at Edison State College
Are you curious how, or if, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will impact local fisheries? Interested in what’s being done to combat persistent marine debris problems? Wondering why a red-drift alga washes up on your beach? Or why healthy mangrove forests are critical for a healthy estuary?
Learn about these environmental issues and more as local researchers, educators and non-profit groups share their expertise at Edison State College.
Throughout the week of Sept. 20-24, Edison State College’s Lee Campus will host Ocean Commotion 2010, a series of events, lectures and films intended to raise awareness about marine environmental issues and highlight what is being done locally to protect and preserve our beautiful waters.
Dr. Rozalind Jester, a science professor at Edison State College, has worked closely with several local marine science and conservation groups as part of her course curriculum. She and her students have also volunteered for both Keep Lee County Beautiful and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to assist in cleanup and litter prevention programs and habitat restoration projects.
Through these activities, Jester realized that more people should be aware of work being done locally and asked a few of her contacts to share their insights with the community at Edison State. As a result, Ocean Commotions 2010 was born.
“I hope that people take away from the programs a deeper understanding of how delicately balanced the marine ecosystem is, knowledge of the most common issues threatening our waters, and a sense of hope that there are a lot of positive changes being made to protect, conserve and restore the health of our oceans and local estuaries!” she explained.
Ocean Commotion 2010 will be held at Edison State College, located at 8099 College Parkway in Fort Myers. Ocean Commotion 2010 events are free and open to the public. Mark your calendars for the following Ocean Commotion events:
• Monday, Sept. 20 — Ocean Commotion Fair — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ESC Courtyard (in front of Taeni Hall)
Several local organizations – including Keep Lee County Beautiful (KLCB), C.R.O.W., Turtle Time and many more – will highlight how they help protect marine life and support a healthy environment. Students in Edison State’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will present a display emphasizing the importance of making sustainable seafood choices. Don’t miss the chance to see their displays and meet the folks behind the scenes.
• Tuesday, Sept. 21 — “Understanding Our Coastal Ecosystems” — 11 a.m. to noon in Taeni Hall (S106/107)
Speakers Eric Milbrandt, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) researcher, and James Evans, marine scientist for the City of Sanibel, will teach us about local mangrove restoration efforts and what contributes to harmful algae blooms in the region.
• Wednesday, Sept. 22 — “Dealing With Debris” — 11 a.m. to noon in Taeni Hall (S106/107)
Representatives from KLCB and Lee County Waste Management will teach us about where all this trash comes from and what we can be done about it. Also starting at noon, there will be a screening of the film, “Addicted To Plastic.”
• Thursday, Sept. 23 — “State Of Local Fisheries” — 11 a.m. to noon in the AA Buildingg Multi Purpose Room
How will the recent oil spill in the Gulf impact our valued fisheries? Bryan Fluech and Joy Hazell from Florida Sea Grant will discuss one of Floridians favorite topics: fishing. Also starting at noon, there will be a screening of the film, “End Of The Line.”
• Friday, Sept. 24 — “Shark Conservation” — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AA Building Multi Purpose Room
There will be a screening of the film, “Sharkwater.”
For more information about Ocean Commotion 2010 at Edison State College, please contact Dr. Rozalind Jester (rjester@edison.edu) or Professor Cheryl Black (crblack2@edison.edu).