Seawater Well System coming soon

The new state-of-the-art seawater system is taking shape at KML, designed to accommodate Ocean Acidification research.

Timeline of progress:

Phase One - Constructing the degassing system (FWC Facilities Improvement Funds). March 2013: The delivery of the 2500-gal concrete holding tank. Epoxy paint was applied to seal the concrete, allowed to cure and then the concrete lid was set in place.

Sept 2013: Then the installation of the degassing tower and the blower unit

Phase Two - Build-out of experimental treatment tanks (NSF Facilities Improvement Grant). Nov 2014: Heater/Chiller units delivered and placed on platform

Dec 2014: Constructing frames to hold seawater tables

A variety of 2 dozen experimental seawater tanks (45-gal to 1000-gal capacity) ready to plumb into the system. Water should be running in early 2015 and ready for use.

KML Tervis Tumblers for Sale

Keys Marine Lab 16 oz. Tervis Tumblers with Travel Lid (lobster not included!) Keep your beverages hot or cold for those long days in the field and show your support for KLM. Embroidered KML logo imbedded in a clear 16 oz. acrylic tumbler. Sturdy snap-on turquoise travel lid. Tervis lifetime guarantee. 

Tumblers can now be ordered on our website (Contribute page: KML Apparel) through the Wildlife Foundation of Florida 

http://wildlifeflorida.com/catalog/16

The cost of each tumbler is $20, plus tax and shipping. You may also chose to order your tumblers online and pick them up at KML. 

Proceeds from the sale of all KML t-shirts, hats and tumblers are used to purchase items for KML, such as this new Benchmark variable speed vortex mixer for our Dry Lab.

Thank you for your continued support!

Pillar Coral Spawning in the Keys

A rare stand of Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) in the Upper Keys, ancient centennials of the reefs, were awaiting the August full moon to join in the annual spawning event.

Sunset and calm waters as researchers slipped into the ocean

Divers cautiously floated among the pillars, anxiously watching and waiting. Even a small (green) octopus hung around for the show

First the male pillars erupted, shortly after 9:00 pm, bathing the reef in smokey clouds (photo by K. Neely).

And then the female pillars, beginning just before 9:30 pm, cast their tiny pink eggs into the sea to join the dance.

AAUS Divers In Training

Laurie Penland brings group of new AAUS drivers from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. for intensive dive training exercises and AAUS protocols. (April 2014)

Lion Fish Patrol

  

KML diver, Bill Ferrell doing his part to eradicate the lion fish population on Tennessee Reef.

University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut researcher Brandon Russell, deploying instrument for offshore data collection (Jan 2014). 

Layton Garden Club Adopts US 1 for a day

 The  Layton Garden Club members organized a road-side cleanup event in the City of Layton January 4th. Effort was concentrated along US #1 for a mile on either side of the city, including some side roads.

Fortified (or lured) by coffee and donuts provided by the Layton Garden club, 45 residents from Layton, Conch Key, Marathon and Key Largo spent the morning scouring the roadsides for trash. KML staff also lent a hand in the cleanup.The Monroe County Sheriff's Office pitched in, providing patrol cars with flashing lights to alert passing motorists, while officers rolled up their sleeves and gathered debris.   3320 lbs of trash was hauled away by the MCSO truck! But not before refueling with hotdogs and hamburgers hot off the grill. This may become an annual event!

Find our more information see City of Layton website

Winter Science Seminars

Winter Science Seminars at KML

Wed. Jan 8th 6:30-7:30pm

KML Classroom

“Approaches for conserving and restoring the Florida Keys Queen Conch population” - Presented by: FWC/FWRI Research Associate and scientist: Bob Glazer

Learn why the sex lives of conch are so important to their long-term sustainable conservation in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. 

Up-coming seminars:

Feb 12 - Climate Change and the Florida Keys

March 12 – 2010 Keys Freeze Cold Water Event

Seating may be limited:

Please call during business hours to sign up

664-9101

Also coming Layton Days Celebration and

KML Open House – Saturday March 1^st