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MARINE
ECOSYSTEM
EVENT
RESPONSE
AND ASSESSMENT
(MEERA)
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With support from and coordination with the
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary(FKNMS), the MEERA Project is designed to
provide early detection and assessment of biological events occurring in the Florida Keys
and surrounding waters. The goal of the project is to help the scientific
community better understand the nature and causes of marine events that
adversely affect marine organisms, and assist ongoing research efforts to
assess and monitor events as they develop. Understanding these events will
help scientists and managers determine whether the events are natural or
are linked to human activities.
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The key to the early detection of marine
events is the people who are on the water. Most of them have a considerable knowledge of the area and an understanding of when
things are not as they should be. Anyone who is on the water frequently is encouraged
to report observations as soon as possible.
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There is no paperwork involved, no specialized training needed, and no other participation or effort is required. By simply providing what, where, and when something unusual was observed, residents can provide scientists with the information needed to detect potentially large scale events as they
develop. To report an observation contact Cory Walter,
Project Coordinator, at (305) 395-8730, or email cwalter@mote.org.
There is also an online form
available.
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Past reports have included observations of coral disease or bleaching,
algal blooms or discolored water, diseased animals or mortality, sick or
stranded dolphins and turtles, as well as other "unusual" observations.
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Click on the map to view recent observations.
You can also view archived maps of previous
monthly summaries of observations logged since January, 2000.
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Mote scientists use these reports to determine if large scale marine events may be occurring, and initiate efforts to investigate.
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GENERAL INFO
Mote Marine Laboratory - Tropical Research Laboratory
24244 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida 33042
(305)745-2729 - (305) 745-2730(FAX) - TRL-info@mote.org
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