What's killing Florida's manatees?

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t5#/video/us/2013/03/23/tsr-dnt-zarrella-toxic-algae-manatee-deaths-duplicate-2.cnn
- CNN.com

Caspersen Beach Bathrooms

Bud Doyle's follow-up comments :

Mr. Hester's comments about the ugly new bathrooms at Caspersen Beach are right on the money. Caspersen was designated a "Clean Rural Beach" by the federal Clean Oceans Council several years ago. You would think this honor would be a matter of pride with the county. Building, if needed, in natural areas should be "designed with nature" and this is certainly not the case when it comes to the new Sarasota beach bathroom facilities.

 

 (Page down to see Hester comments.)

 http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130321/LETTERS/303219999/2163/OPINION?Title=Thursday-s-letters

 

Some of Sarasota Bay Watch's Upcoming Events

• 3^rd Annual Skier's Island Cleanup - March 23
• 1st Jim Neville Marine Preserve Cleanup - April 13
• 5^th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup - May 11
• 3^rd Annual Scallopalooza - August 3
• 6^th Annual Great Scallop Search - August 17
• 3^rd Annual Monofilament Cleanup - October 
•  
• See:  http://sarasotabaywatch.org/

Horseshoe Crabs in Cedar Key

(This article published in the current CedarKeyNews.com  by Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida IFAS Shellfish Extension)

Sun, Mar 17th 2013 UF/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension

Saturday, March 30, 10:30-Noon
Cedar Key Library, 466 2nd Street

Learn about these unique marine animals and their importance, find out about University of Florida`s research at Seahorse Key, and discover how you can protect our local populations by participating in a talk held at the Cedar Key Library, 466 2nd Street on Saturday, March 30 at 10:30 am. Speakers will include Dr. Jane Brockmann, Emeritus Professor, Biology Department, University of Florida; Tiffany Black, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute; and Leslie Sturmer, UF IFAS Shellfish Extension. At Noon, a horseshoe crab educational panel will be unveiled at the A Street railing adjacent to the City Park. The panel is dedicated in memory of Kathleen Tuck, a Cedar Key resident, who devoted hours conducting beach surveys and educating the public about horseshoe crabs. For more information, contact Leslie Sturmer at (352) 543-5057 or LNST@ufl.edu.

Read More...

Algae hunger ramps up red tide toxins

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130317/ARTICLE/130319646/2416/NEWS?Title=Algae-s-hunger-ramps-up-red-tide-toxins
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Red tide kills record number of manatees

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130312/ARTICLE/130319902/2416/NEWS?Title=Red-tide-kills-record-number-of-manatees
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Restore Florida's Gulf

http://fl.audubon.org/restore-floridas-gulf
- Florida Audubon Society

Florida beaches reopen after sharks invade

http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/bestoftv/2013/03/07/exp-erin-pkg-george-howell-florida-beaches-reopen-after-sharks-invade.cnn
- CNN.com

Canoe & Kayak Coastal Clean Up Event

http://canoecleanup-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

- Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center - Pinellas County Extension

Despite Shale Boom, Deep-Water Gulf Still Lures Oil Drillers

http://loga.la/despite-shale-boom-deep-water-gulf-still-lures-oil-drillers/
-  March 1, 2013 | Louisiana Oil and Gas Association

Official Sarasota Wildlife Art Festival - March 2 & 3

http://www.sarasotawildlifefest.com/

Red tide returns to Sarasota County beaches

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130227/ARTICLE/130229630/2416/NEWS?Title=Red-tide-returns-to-Sarasota-County-beaches
- Sarasota Herald Tribune

Red-necked pelican from California spotted by John Sarkozy.

(Thanks to Heather Booth for photo) 

Sarasita Bay Estuary Program 2013 GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 1

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is accepting applications for the 2013 Bay Partner Grants Program with a deadline of March 1. The purpose of the annual program is to promote environmental education, community involvement and stewardship to improve the overall quality of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries. Organizations can receive up to $3,000 for projects that benefit Sarasota Bay. SBEP has awarded $213,000 in grants to more than 100 organizations since 2002.

Schools, businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, churches, and civic groups in Sarasota and Manatee counties are eligible. The watershed boundaries are from Anna Maria Sound to the Venice Inlet as well as all of the barrier islands. Some of the prior projects have included wildlife gardens and landscaping featuring Florida native plants, micro-irrigation projects, land contouring to create bioswales, signs that promote Bay-stewardship, and education programs.    

Bay Partner Grant applications must be received at the SBEP offices by 4pm on Friday, March 1 to be eligible. Applications can be emailed as a Word document or PDF file to Sara Kane at sara@sarasotabay.org. You can learn more about the grant program online by visiting the Get Involved page on the SBEP website at sarasotabay.org. The website also lists the eight grant projects that were funded for 2012. Inquires are welcome at 941-955-8085 or sara@sarasotabay.org.

This just in from the Audubon Society....

Stay Engaged to the Gulf Restoration Process in Florida

Help make conservation a priority, sign-up for this eNewsletter right now.

Fiddler Crabs by RJ Wiley

Welcome to the inaugural edition of RESTORE Florida’s Gulf – the eNewsletter dedicated to tracking the Gulf restoration process in Florida in the wake of the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill disaster.
You are receiving this eNewsletter as an introduction, but you will need to SIGN UP to continue to receive regular updates in the future. Please click here and add your name to RESTORE Florida’s Gulf.

What is the RESTORE Act?

The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of all administrative and civil penalties related to the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster to a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund and outlines a structure by which the funds can be utilized to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region.
Three major “pots” of funds are addressed in the RESTORE Act: the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council pot (30%), the equal-share state pot (35%), and the impact-based state pot (30%).
For more information on trust fund resources, please click here.

Why is the restoration process so important?

Oil on a Pensacola Beach, June 2010.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster had major impacts on the environment and wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. Through the RESTORE Act, Floridians have the opportunity of a lifetime to restore the health of the Gulf's water, beaches, and marshes and the shorebirds and sea life make this ecosystem their home.
The signing of the RESTORE Act in July 2012 set the framework for what is anticipated to be the largest environmental restoration trust fund in history. Restoration of the Gulf of Mexico will be financed by funds from court cases and settlements related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Audubon Advocates, nature-lovers, and concerned citizens will have a variety of ways to influence how the funds are spent. Sign-up for this eNewsletter right now to receive information on how you can participate in breaking advocacy issues and local events.

What's the latest information?

On January 29, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council released The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf: A Proposed Comprehensive Plan.
This is the Council’s first step in developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term health, prosperity and resilience of the Gulf Coast. The Council knows that collaboration with the residents of the Gulf is essential to restoring the Gulf of Mexico. Public hearings are anticipated for all Gulf States, probably in late February and again in April-May.
You will be able to participate in many of these hearings; dates and locations will be announced on our website RESTOREFloridasGulf.org. 
The Path Forward incorporates the findings and recommendations of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, including 5 restoration goals:

1. Restore and conserve habitat;
2. Restore water quality;
3. Replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources; 
4. Enhance community resilience; and
5. Restore and revitalize the Gulf economy. 

The plan will include a three-year list of projects based on criteria in the RESTORE Act. Your voice, at the local and regional levels, is important to help guide which projects will be included on the list.
Make sure you are subscribed to this eNewsletter to receive information on how you can participate in breaking advocacy issues and local events. Together we will make a difference!

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

http://www.fws.gov/cedarkeys/

Governor to consider springs restoration money

http://www.cedarkeybeacon.com/content/governor-consider-springs-restoration-money
- Cedar Key Beacon

SE American Littoral Society Field Trips and Events

Quiet Water Kayak Trips

Enjoy leisurely paddling and observation at a variety of sites difficult to visit by any other means. Kayak, paddles, life vest, etc. supplied. If you haven’t used a kayak before, a short training session before the trip will get you going. Members who bring their own kayak and life vests can participate for a $5 donation to the Society. Otherwise, cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members unless noted. State parks require an additional entrance fee.
Call John at 941-966-7308 for info and reservations.
Red Font = Schedule change since original post.
January
 5 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
 9 Waterways of Nokomis, 10 am - 1 pm
10 Myakka River/Snook Haven, 10 am - 1 pm
12 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
13 Myakka River/Snook Haven; 10 am - 1 pm 
15 South Lido Park/Bird Key, 10 am - 1 pm 24 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm
26 Myakka River State Park, 11 am - 2 pm
31 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary  $30/members; $35 non-members
     plus $5 boat launch fee; 10 am - 2 pm
February
 2 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Park, 10 am - 1 pm 
 3 South Lido Park/Bird Key, 10 am - 1 pm
 5 Shell Key Preserve/Pinellas County; 10 am - 2 pm; $30/members; $35 non-members
10 Blackburn Pt. Oscar Scherer State Park; 10 am - 1:30 pm
12 Historic Cortez/Kitchen Preserve; 10 am - 1 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member
14 Don Pedro State Park/Lemon Bay; 10 am - 1:30 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member
20 Waterways of Nokomis; 10 am - 1 pm
23 Myakka River at Snook Haven/Palmer Pt. Park; 8:30 am - 11:30 am
24 Little Sarasota Bay/Palmer Point Beach; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
26 Apollo Beach/Kitchen Preserve warm water sanctuary  $30/members; $35 non-members
     plus $5 boat launch fee; 10 am - 2 pm
28 Edwards Islands/Roberts Bay Rookery; 10 am - 1:30 pm; $25/member; $30/non-member

Upcoming Marine Life Explorations
Explore the sea life near our shores with American Littoral Society biologists.  Using hand and seine nets, we will be searching shallow waters and sea grass beds, observing, collecting, and discussing the natural history of some of the many interesting fishes and other animals that inhabit Sarasota Bay.  Trips run on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Wading shoes suggested. Call  for reservations.  Call  Chuck at  941-488-8998 Sept 8- Lemon Bay Park
Oct 13- Lemon Bay Park
Dec 8-  Lemon Bay Park
Jan 12- Bird Key
Feb 9- Lemon Bay Park
Mar 9- Blackburn Point Park
Apr 13- Lemon Bay Park



Eco-Tour with Us Aboard the Carefree Learner (January - May)Get hands-on fun and learn up close about the critters of the Bay with our expert naturalists and educators. Also see amazing nesting bird life. The boat is small and provides a great experience for students of all ages. The Carefree Learner are on Wednesdays at 1 to 3 pm departing from Bayfront Park next to Le Barge, near the Ringling circle. Members $15, Non-members $20, kids (12 and under) $10.
January 30, Contact Linda at 607-423-9027
February 13, Contact Linda at 607-423-9027
February 27, Contact Loyola at 206-484-7092
March 6, 20, 27, Contact Bobbi at 941-927-3409
April 6*, 17, 24, Contact Loyola at 206-484-7092
*Note, our April 6 trip is the only Saturday trip

SBEP RECEIVES EDEXPLORE NEXT GRANT TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

SARASOTA, FL – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) received an EdExploreNEXT Grant to support environmental education benefiting local students. The $25,000 grant was awarded by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County to support the SBEP PIER Education Program. PIER stands for Protection, Involvement, Education and Restoration. More than 40,000 students from public and private schools have participated in the program since 2003.

SBEP partners for the grant include Sarasota County Natural Resources and Around the Bend Nature Tours. The grant will be used to purchase equipment that teachers can use in their classroom to enhance student activities. PIER includes field trips and curriculum lesson plans benefiting students of all ages. 

The EdExploreNEXT Grants are part of a larger focus by The Patterson Foundation to support community education. The initiative includes EDExploreSRQ.com, a public website hosted by the Sarasota School District that’s designed to give teachers access to learning opportunities. All of the content supports Florida’s Subject Area Benchmarks. Local partners for the initiative include the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the Science and Environmental Council of Southwest Florida, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, and Sarasota County Schools. 

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 protected estuaries in the U.S. The SBEP was founded in 1989 and its partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Warm Weather Question

Hey you, READER, what are the effects of the current exceptionally warm weather on Sarasota's Shoreline?

Email: marinell3@comcast.net