U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen received the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Stewardship Award during a gala tribute to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For the past two years, she has helped NMSF gain support for the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.

World renowned marine life photographer and NMSF Trustee Bob Talbot provided keynote remarks during the awards dinner on November 12th.

The gala tribute dinner was hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and sponsored by the Mystic Aquarium and Institute For Exploration: Immersion Presents.

PSA

In conjunction with the anniversary tribute dinner, a new regional public service announcement campaign is being launched and is designed to create public awareness about the Center and its importance as an education resource to residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. Guests of the anniversary dinner were the first to view the PSA campaign featuring the new Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center's Sea Star campaign.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

In fall 2006, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center will open to the public. The Center will feature 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits depicting the underwater and upland habitats of the Florida Keys and surrounding ecosystem. This Center will be free-of-charge for visitors and residents of the Florida Keys and will focus on the Keys ecosystem, human interaction with the environment, and the maritime culture and history of the area.

Part of the evenings events included an update on the Foundation’s Sea Star Campaign for the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. The Sea Star Campaign will raise private sector funds for the facility’s state-of-the art exhibits. By purchasing a Sea Star, which will be imbedded in the discovery center's walkway, supporters receive permanent recognition of their commitment to preserve the unique and fragile marine habitats of South Florida.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the most diverse collections of underwater plants and animals and the reef track is the most extensive living coral reef system in North America. Although best known for its coral reefs, the shallow nearshore waters contain interdependent marine habitats that include fringing mangroves, seagrass, meadows, hardbottom regions, as well as patch and bank reefs. This complex marine ecosystem is the foundation for the tourism and commercial fishing-based economies that are so important to Florida.

In the 15 years since the Florida Keys were designated as a national marine sanctuary, there have been fewer major shipwreck groundings. Other notable accomplishments include implementing the first water quality protection program within a sanctuary, creating science and educations programs, and enacting a comprehensive marine zoning plan.