An Eco-Voice Sponsor

The Snook and Gamefish Foundation

 

Our Vision

"For countless ages, man has taken from the sea. Now it is time for us to give back to this precious source of all our planet's life."

 William R. Mote, Founder of The Snook Foundation.

 

We believe that a brighter future for all fisheries is in the hands of informed anglers, who will take proactive steps to increase, not just maintain, the stocks. The instruments for such action are members who will commit to achieving game fish habitat protection, enlightened regulation, research, and education. We believe that, with the recent progress in stock enhancement and habitat research, along with improved understanding and protection of juvenile and nursery game fish habitat, we can together improve the outlook for inshore resources and game fishing!

 

 

By Erika Pesantes, Sun Sentinel

DEERFIELD BEACH

Thousands of participants turned out for nearly 150 events in 30 states and 15 countries today for the third annual "Hands Across the Sand"  event, a demonstration of opposition to expanding offshore drilling and support for cleaner energy choices. A complete list of events can be found here: www.handsacrossthesand.org .

With the oil industry pushing for a dramatic expansion of offshore drilling in U.S. waters, Hands Across the Sand participants showed leaders like President Obama the breadth of opposition to new drilling and support for a clean energy future rooted in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy solutions, such as wind, solar and geothermal.

Hands Across the Sand is sponsored by Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, Defenders of Wildlife, Florida Wildlife Federation, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Chart 411, and Sierra Club.

Duke Energy Income Grows with Progress Energy Merger; Crystal River Still Uncertain

  

 

Everglades water permits to restore Everglades water quality OK'd by EPA

Permits submitted by the state of Florida under the federal Clean Water Act to improve the quality of water flowing into the Everglades will satisfy the Environmental Protection Agency's permit objections and will meet the requirements of the CWA in EPA's Sept. 3, 2010 Amended Determination, the agency has announced.

The submission contains a suite of projects to be built and implemented by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that will reduce phosphorus discharges into the Everglades.

The projects and related implementation schedule will be formalized through FDEP water-discharge permits issued to the SFWMD under the CWA and through an enforcement consent order between the two state agencies. EPA retains authority to enforce the permit requirements and will maintain an oversight role under a framework agreement between EPA and FDEP.

"The Obama Administration is firmly committed to protecting and restoring the Everglades, an extraordinary ecosystem and international treasure," said Gwen Keyes Fleming, regional administrator for EPA's southeastern region.

"A healthy Everglades is vital to the well-being of Florida and contributes jobs and billions of dollars to Florida's economy."

In response to an order from Judge Alan Gold of the U.S. Court of the Southern District of Florida, on Sept. 3, 2010, EPA released a plan, known as the "Amended Determination," that established a detailed blueprint for the actions required under the CWA by Florida to achieve CWA standards for reducing total phosphorus in water delivered to the Everglades.

EPA later objected to draft Florida permits for phosphorus discharges that did not meet federal requirements.

EPA gave Florida the opportunity to submit an alternative to the Amended Determination that was effective in meeting water quality goals and was enforceable. On September 29, 2011, Florida Governor Rick Scott provided an alternative plan to federal officials.

EPA, FDEP and SFWMD then engaged in extensive discussions about the Governor's plan in which EPA recommended enhanced water treatment projects and other features to improve water quality protections and the parties developed an enforceable framework of permits and State orders to achieve phosphorus discharge limits.

Phosphorus is a nutrient that comes from both natural sources and fertilizers. Too much phosphorus causes chemical and biological changes that degrade natural systems, such as wetlands, lakes and coastal areas.

"This action is the culmination of an intensive seven-month process of discussions among EPA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the SFWMD, and other key federal agencies, including Interior and the Department of the Army, on the plan to clean up the Everglades," Keyes Fleming said.

"We appreciate the hard work that all parties have undertaken to deliver this final package to EPA."

The permits and orders submitted by the state establish for the first time a science-based protective limit (WQBEL) on phosphorus pollution discharges into the Everglades, projects to remove phosphorus to achieve that limit, a robust plan of monitoring and scientific research to confirm that the restoration is moving forward, and an enforceable framework to insure compliance.

 

Micro-grants: We've awarded the $12,000 allocated for micro-grants (usually up to $250/project) for this fiscal year. The guidance and online form encourages people to apply for projects that can begin  in the next fiscal year, after October 1, 2012 and be completed (with paperwork) by August 31, 2013.

Check out the water atlas

 

 

Climate Change and Oysters

 

"It's going to get worse for the next 50 years before it could get better," Dewey says. He's raised shellfish for over 30 years and spoke to The Salt while digging a 5,000-pound clam harvest. "We've come to realize, based on the science, that at least in our lifetimes our future is learning how to adapt. Hopefully, for future generations, we can turn our carbon emissions around and reverse the trends. Or else we're going to have a different ocean. And it probably won't have much shellfish in it."

Third Annual Tour de North Port Bicycle Ride

Members of People for Trees, Inc. will be hosting their third annual "Tour de North Port" Bicycle Ride on Sunday, October 21, 2012.The ride will begin and end from Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave. in North Port.Riders can choose to complete either a 15, 35, 65, or 100 mile route that will travel along the roads and backroads of North Port.It is NOTa race.The advance registration fee of $35 ($10 for children 16 and under) includes breakfast, fully-stocked rest stops with homemade goodies, SAG support, and lunch.A special optional guided "Family Fun Ride" starting at 9AM will be offered for the 15-mile route with fun stops and activities planned along the way and up to six family members can register for only $50 (lunch NOT included). Special group discounts for six or more riders also available. All registered riders can enjoy a free swim at the North Port YMCA located next to the park. Check-in/on-site registration ($40) for the 35,65, or 100 mile rides begins at 7AM. Riders are encouraged to be on the road by 8AM. Check-in/on-site registration for the unguided 15-mile ride begins at 8AM and participants can also receive the special $50 rate (for up to six members) with lunch NOT being included.

Sponsors include TriFit Sports, Bicycle Center of Port Charlotte, Bicycles International of Venice, North Port YMCA. All proceeds from the ride will benefit the efforts of People for Trees to create "Tree Whiz",an interactive environmental learning center for children complete with treehouses and canopy walks.Since 1997, People for Trees, Inc., a local non-profit native tree advocacy group, has been creating awareness about the importance and benefits of a healthy, native tree canopy.For more information or to pre-register visit www.peoplefortrees.com

. Contact: Alice White @426-9752 or treelady12001@yahoo.com

Alice White
People for Trees, Inc. Since 1997
(941)426-9752
"Save a tree today, and we'll all breathe a little easier!"