Seminar #4: The Florida Keys after Irma

Come join us for the last in our winter 2018 seminar series 

April 3rd Tues. 6:00-7:00pm in the KML Classroom

Queen Conch: Making a Comeback or Curtailed by Irma?

Justin Voss – FWC/FWRI staff biologist

In the Florida Keys, harvesting queen conch has been banned since 1985 due to over-fishing. Since then, the state of Florida has been monitoring their recovery. Justin will be detailing the FWC’s efforts to restore the queen conch population over this time, leading into how Hurricane Irma affected the population.

Winter Seminar #3 The Florida Keys after Irma

Large brain coral overturned by wave action from Irma

Hurricane Irma Rapid Response:

Impact Assessment and Monitoring

Jennifer Stein – FWC/FWRI biologist

March 20th Tues. 6:00-7:00pm

KML Classroom

Come join us for a brief overview of the rapid reef assessment of the Florida Reef Tract, coordinated by NOAA, in response to Hurricane Irma.  It will cover the objectives of the assessment, methods and logistics, recommendations generated from the assessment, results from the data collected, as well as the lessons learned from this seminal effort.  The presentation will include images from some of our most impacted sites and examples of each of the types of impacts observed on the reef.

Live boulder coral showing abrasion from sand and debris during Irma

Upcoming Topics:

April 3 - Queen Conch populations after Irma

Seminar #2 Sponge & Coral Nurseries in the Middle Keys

Coming up next Tuesday evening, two FWC marine biologists will be speaking about their coral and sponge nurseries and how they survived Irma. Hope to see you all there!

2018 Winter Science Seminars: 

‘The Florida Keys after Irma’

March 6th Tues. 6:00-7:00pm

KML Classroom

The fate of FWC Sponge and Coral Nurseries Post-Irma

Kerry Maxwell and Elliot Hart – FWC/FWRI biologists

Upcoming Topics:

March 3 – KML Open House Saturday 1:00-3:00

March 20 – Post-Irma Florida Reefs Assessments and Triage

April 3 - Queen Conch populations after Irma 

KML Open House

KML Open House

Saturday, March 3, 2018

1:00-3:00 at Keys Marine Lab

 Chat with KML staff

Guided tours around the Lab

Touch tanks with live animals

Slide shows in the Classroom

~ ~ ~ Uneven terrain ~ ~ ~

Appropriate footwear strongly suggested

winter seminars at KML

2018

Winter Science Seminars

The Florida Keys after Irma

February 27th

Tues. 6:00-7:00pm

KML Classroom

Irmageddon:

Impacts on Marine Fisheries Research in the Keys

speakers: Jessica Keller & Ariel Wile – FWC/FWRI biologists

Hurricane Irma impacted more than the Florida Key’s infrastructure and economy. Ongoing research in the marine environment off the keys has been affected, including the study of the behavior and population status of commercially important fish. While missing equipment and changes in nearshore juvenile fish habitat have been assessed, long term changes in fish populations will take more time to evaluate. 

Upcoming Topics:

March 6 - The fate of FWRI Sponge & Coral Nurseries Post-Irma 

March 20 – Post-Irma Florida Reefs Assessments & Triage 

April 3 - Queen Conch after Irma 

4 Months Post-Irma at KML

New metal roof on the Bay House

KML has made huge strides in the last 4 months recovering from wind and water damage in the wake of Hurricane Irma. We were quickly able to accommodate visitors in our dorms and with boat trips, assisting researchers from multiple universities, in the recovery and re-deployment of their instruments for long-term studies as well as on-going reef assessments.
In November, the crew from FIO's RV Weatherbird came down and helped clean and repair 'The Shallows' (large seawater mesocosym). They all rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to haul out gravel, muck, and debris left from the storm; a truly messy and back-breaking task. We should have water flowing there soon, once electrical outlets are replaced and seawater pumps can be installed.

Bay House: water damage to bedroom ceilings repaired and a fresh coat of paint

Bay House: kitchen and living room ready for visitors

Walk-thru Lab 1: flood damage repaired, new dry wall painted, and KML staff building new supports for counter tops

Main Dry Lab: flood damage repaired, new drywall painted, and awaiting new cabinetry, counter tops, and sinks

Dry Lab 2: flood damage repaired and awaiting new cabinetry and counter tops

New fence installation in progress

 We have come a long way since the wee hours of September 10, 2017 but the Keys still have a long way to go on the road to recovery. Residents are all trying to find a new 'normal' and it will likely take years. Mountains of debris have been removed but piles still remain, lining the highway; sobering reminders of Nature's fury.

Long Key State Park is open for day use but campsites remain closed. Mountains of sand, removed from US 1, now are piled on the shoreline. Turtle nesting season will be a challenge this year.

Conch Key, 4 miles south of KML, sustained major damage to many homes

Driving toward Marathon and closer to the eye of the storm, Grassey Key is still lined with building debris, appliances, and even a damaged boat

Sunrise on Long Key

But we are #KeysStrong!