Date: April 20, 2007
Contact: Gary Appelson
(410) 750-1561
Wednesday, April 18th, was Oceans Day at the Florida Legislature. STC and many of the organizations involved in the Florida Oceans and Coastal Coalition were at the capital lobbying for legislation in support of clean and healthy oceans. It was a day for all Floridians to celebrate the magnificent diversity of ocean life that surrounds us – and to appreciate the many resources and numerous benefits our oceans provide. But these benefits also come with responsibilities, and in response to this special day for the oceans we are asking you to speak up and take action.
In order to protect the productivity and health of Florida’s oceans, the state needs to fully fund desperately needed research and ocean conservation projects. Without this funding, the public, numerous marine species and even endangered species may be at risk from harmful algae blooms like red tides, and efforts to protect unique ecosystems like coral reefs and estuaries may be abandoned.
You can help ensure that Florida’s ocean resources are protected. Please take action today and urge the President of the Senate, Ken Pruitt, and Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio, to work towards designating $11.6 million in 2007 to carry out marine conservation research and monitoring projects.
In 2006, the Legislature appropriated $3 million for ocean protection programs by funding the priorities recommended by the newly appointed Florida Ocean and Coastal Resources Council. However, Governor Bush vetoed the funds. Unfortunately, since the funds were vetoed, many marine conservation projects were left without funding and were either put on hold or never started. Don’t let this happen again – ocean protection programs need adequate funding!
The STC urges you to help protect Florida’s environmental and economic future by contacting the Florida legislative and letting them know that you support full funding of $11.6 million for the Florida Ocean and Coastal Resources Council’s FY 2007-08 Annual Science Research Plan. The legislative session ends May 4th, so please act soon.
TAKE ACTION: Please take action today and contact the President of the Senate, Ken Pruitt, and Speaker of the House, Marco Rubio.
Email or fax:
Senate President Ken Pruitt
pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov
Fax: (toll free) 888-263-7895
Speaker Marco Rubio
rubio.marco@myfloridahouse.gov
850-488-1456
Thank you for your help. It really makes a difference.
SAMPLE LETTER
Re: Provide Full Funding for FOCRC’s Budget
Dear (insert the name here):
As a supporter of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and the Sea Turtle Survival League, I am very concerned about the health and future of our oceans. Florida’s oceans are home to a beautiful array of marine life–sea turtles, dolphins, whales and coral reefs. Florida’s coastal resources are vitally important to our economy and ecologically valuable beyond any price tag we may put on them.
Please support appropriation of the full $11.6 million for the Florida Ocean and Coastal Resources Council’s (FOCRC) FY 2007-08 budget so that critical research on coastal water quality, ocean and coastal ecosystems, and better tools and technology can be developed and carried out.
As you know, Florida’s oceans and coasts provide tremendous value to all Floridians, and their living marine resources provide the state with significant economic, environmental, aesthetic and cultural benefits. In addition, they offer incredible recreational activities that include fishing, diving, boating, and beachcombing. Coastal tourism alone adds tens of billions of dollars to Florida’s economy.
Full funding for the Florida Ocean and Coastal Resources Council’s FY 2007-08 Annual Science Research Plan is a smart investment for Florida’s future.
Sincerely,
Your name.
Sea Turtle Conservancy
