Scene-on-Green — Allard PPC

Are you interested in regional events that involve the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute? Check our regularly updated calendar of events for activities to enjoy.

Fish Kill Database Directory

http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/

Search the fish kill database for records of fish kills and fish abnormalities reported in Florida as far back as 1972, when the first fish kill was reported to FWRI.

HAB-Related Links

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=2292

Links to sites related to red tide and other microalgae.

Manatee Mortality

http://research.myfwc.com/manatees/

Search a summary manatee mortality database for information by county, cause of death, and date.

Red Tide Control and Mitigation Grants

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=27877

Between 2007 and 2009, FWRI administered a competitive grant program that solicited proposals to evaluate or implement projects exploring environmentally acceptable techniques or technologies for red tide control or mitigation.

Red Tide Current Status Statewide Information

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670

This summary report of current red tide conditions around Florida includes a map of sampling results and regional status reports. Reports are generally updated on Friday afternoon. Additional information, if available, is provided on Tuesday afternoon.

Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=31821

Volunteers collect water samples to help Fish and Wildlife Research Institute scientists monitor red tides in Florida waters. Learn about the Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program and how to become a volunteer.

Tarpon

http://research.myfwc.com/tarpon

Strength, stamina, and fighting ability, make the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) one of Florida's premier game fish.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Hurricane Inspection time...saving “Moola” in the process

In preparation for the upcoming season and a obligatory change in insurers we had a third party inspection completed, which was great as it gave me the opportunity to review the upgrades to our “home-sweet-home”.
I started in 2003 when I saw an abrupt change in the weather pattern with a cold front turning up in North Florida in late summer (it was usually around the "Hogs breath Regatta" time). The only problem with this was, that IF it stalled out and IF there was a Hurricane in the Carribean it would most likely get sucked up into the Gulf with the potential of us getting thumped in the process!

Everyone had a good laugh in early 2004 when I was cutting up plywood boards, even painting them black to make them look like windows. I found it a fun project though and then during 2004 exactly as I thought COULD happen DID... “Charlie” knocked on our door

to be continued...

Green Connection is on the move to a new location

We have been quiet, but working hard to create our next level of service to the community. We have two new Board Members: Justin Powell and Ken Chester who have joined Mary Anne Bowie, Vicki Chelf and Mike Clark to round out our Board of Directors.
Visit our web site and learn all about them and see our progress.www.greenconnectionus.org

Department of Energy Releases New Estimates of Nation's Wind Energy Potential

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently released new estimates of the U.S. potential for wind-generated electricity, tripling previous estimates of the size of the nation's wind resources. The new study, which was carried out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and AWS Truewind, finds that the contiguous 48 states have the potential to generate up to 37 million gigawatt hours annually. By contrast, total U.S. electricity generation from all sources was roughly 4 million gigawatt hours in 2009. The estimates show the total energy yield that could be generated using current wind turbine technology on the nation's windy lands. (The estimates show what is possible, not what will actually be developed.)
Full story

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Manatee rescue network busy over weekend

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and partner organizations worked throughout the weekend to rescue several manatees. Teams from the state’s manatee rescue network attempted to rescue 10 animals from different locations across the state.

Most of these animals showed signs of manatee cold-stress syndrome. This condition, which can result in death, occurs as a result of exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods. When possible, biologists capture manatees in life-threatening situations and transport them to rehabilitation facilities for treatment if necessary.

On Saturday, a team lead by FWC biologists rescued two juvenile manatees showing signs of cold stress. They rescued the first animal in St. Petersburg, then traveled to Bradenton to rescue the other. They took both of these animals to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation.

On Sunday, FWC biologists coordinated with staff at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge to rescue a juvenile manatee with watercraft-related injuries. Rescuers took this animal to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation as well. Also on Sunday, a team led by FWC biologists rescued a manatee stuck in a storm drain in Vero Beach. Once safely out of the drain, the animal was able to swim away.

Rescues continued Monday as an FWC-led team captured an adult female manatee with watercraft-related injuries in the Fort Pierce area. The team took the injured animal to the Miami Seaquarium for rehabilitation.

Rescuing a manatee is a challenging procedure, and biologists won’t attempt it unless they determine there is an immediate threat to the animal’s health or safety. Biologists must carefully weigh many factors before initiating a rescue. While several rescues were successful last weekend, unfortunately not all rescue attempts had a positive outcome. Three manatees were in such poor condition that, despite the efforts of biologists to save them, they died before they could be transported to a rehabilitation facility.

Rescue teams pursued two additional manatees that avoided capture. Biologists will make future attempts to rescue these animals if they are able to locate them again.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Visit http://research.MyFWC.com/manatee for more information on manatee research.

Proceeds from the sale of the “Save the Manatee” license plate and manatee decal are a primary source of funding for Florida’s manatee research and conservation, including rescue efforts such as these.

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To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_ManateeRescue2.htm.

Today's update on Red Tide

In southwest Florida, Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Collier County. One sample (out of 18 total samples) collected alongshore of Sarasota County contained very low concentrations of K. brevis.

Sampling will continue this week, and complete results will be available in the next scheduled status report on Friday, February 26.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

What a deal... a Rain Barrel for $37!

A Saturday morning visit to Sarasota County’s Twin Lake facility in inclement cold weather. The attendance was high with almost a packed house with everyone gleaning information on a presentation on Rain Barrels and why they are good for the environment and the pocket to-boot . We’re already have a successful Rain Garden has been in for the last couple of years and made the addition of Rain Chains this summer too after visiting Lake Quinault in WA and seeing them in action, you can buy the Rain Chains at Rain Chains.com