Donation restores Marine Research Boat for Florida students
by John Bell on 30 Apr 2014
Skiff restored courtesy of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Back on the Water Renee Wilson
The Friends of Rookery Bay today celebrated a $10,000 donation from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation for the restoration of a mullet skiff used in high school education programs provided by Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Reps from the Foundation, together with marine science students and faculty from Lely High School, Reserve staff, and other partners, 'unveiled' the restored boat, which was just outfitted with a new motor and Guy Harvey designed hull wrap, before taking it out on the water for an education program.
In 2013 Guy Harvey served as the Honorary Chair for the Friends of Rookery Bay’s annual fundraiser, the Batfish Bash for the Bay.
'We are so pleased about our partnership with Guy Harvey,' said Craig Seibert, Friends of Rookery Bay President, adding 'this donation will help secure our ability to educate the future leaders of our community.'
'We are thrilled to be able to continue our support of the Friends of Rookery Bay with this donation and boat wrap,' says Guy Harvey. 'Getting these students actively engaged out on the water is key to fostering the next user group and future stewards of our marine resources.'
The Friends of Rookery Bay is the Citizen Support Organization for the Reserve, which has been providing boat-based marine science classes for Collier County students for more than 25 years. The students participating today have been working on film projects all year in partnership with the Reserve and Discovery Education. They will share their productions during the second Annual Marine Science Student Film Premiere on Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 pm at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. The public is welcome.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects and manages 110,000 acres of coastal lands and waters between Naples and Everglades National Park. It is managed by the Florida Coastal Office in cooperation with NOAA. For more information visit www.rookerybay.org.
About The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation: The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced marine ecosystem where fish and other wildlife flourish. www.guyharvey.com
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