The Event – Saturday, February 27, 2021
The Center, Mote Marine Laboratory and Eckerd College Kick off Mini Reef Research – Training Session at The Center and in the field (Carters’ dock at 239 Willow)
The Center of Anna Maria Island is committed to managing a citizen scientist corps and hosting a lab environment for the gathering, analysis and reporting of data to existing systems such as Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Reporting System (BCRS) or other ongoing research projects. The Center will provide our communities with ongoing educational opportunities and collaborative research opportunities for local scientists and area not-for-profits.
Who: Dr. Jorge Angulo-Valdes, Visiting Assistant Professor of Marine Science, Eckerd College and students from Dr. Angulo’s class; Aspen Cook and Sarah Caywood, Staff Environmental Specialists, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium; Jim McDaniel, The Center,
When: February 27, 2021, 10am – 12:30pm. Media are asked to arrive at The Center by 9:45am
What: Mote Marine Laboratory scientists will be training Eckerd College students in water quality techniques, using the classroom space of The Center and in the field at a local mini-reef site. Students and trainers will be in the second floor classroom of The Center before headings out to the site to take water samples. Returning to The Center, students will learn the proper technique of examining the samples with a HABScope (harmful algal bloom cellphone microscope) as well as to chart dissolved oxygen levels and salinity levels consistently and accurately. The Eckerd College students will also support Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Reporting System with training they receive this day. https://youtu.be/jT61528IyAw https://youtu.be/mBwfgsQlk1I
Where: The Center of Anna Maria Island (407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, FL) and 239 Willow Ave, Anna Maria Island. Media are asked to meet at 407 Magnolia Ave @9:45am, Saturday, February 27, 2021.
Why: Anna Maria Island is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and excellent fishing spots, so persevering excellent water quality is of the utmost importance for our community’s wellbeing. The Center is launching its first research study focused on waters in our Anna Maria Island canals and the effects mini reefs are having on their waters and ecosystem development. With a focus on education, and research, The Center is establishing of a new Citizen Scientist Corps by working with Eckerd College and Mote Marine Laboratory.
Contact Jim McDaniel at Jim@centerami.org or by calling 941-778-1908 ext. 201 for more information on our new Citizen Scientist Corps and how you can get involved!
Mote Marine Laboratories – Beach Conditions Reporting System – Citizen Scientist Corps training. The Mote volunteer training will also support the collaborative study with Eckerd College on mini reef efficacy with water quality as an extension of their recent work in Boca Grande. The study on the mini reefs includes checking for any adverse environmental developments stemming from the materials used in the mini reef.
Eckerd College Dr. – Collaborative Mini Reef Research with Mote Marine. Dr. Angulo’s students and citizen scientists begin their work which will be an extension of Mote’s current studies in Boca Grande as well as with the Siesta Key Association on The Grand Canal. Students and citizen scientists will be trained by Mote staff on data collection, analysis and submission to both the Beach Conditions Reporting System and the mini reef study on local water quality (algal blooms) and fish and crustacean populations. The study on the mini reefs includes documenting the population of flora and fauna on the reefs as well as the local fish and crustaceans in the area. Water testing in treatment and control canals is being established for the study looking to go out over the next three years, assessing the efficacy of these mini reefs on water filtration as well.
The Center – The Center is the nucleus of the local activity, facilitating these studies and providing a coordination of movement, materials and planning to ensure the smooth function and continued evolution of BWC’s environmental initiatives. The Center will also provide management and communication around the collaboration, the recruitment of volunteers, grant and funding acquisition, and providing lab space where volunteers and students are able to analyze, submit and store samples once trained to do so. [MOU1]