The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) will meet Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at the Marathon Garden Club, 5270 Overseas Highway (gulfside), starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome and will have an opportunity to provide comment at 9:30 a.m.

The draft agenda features a presentation by Dr. Don Behringer of Old Dominion University on research into the virus affecting spiny lobster in the Florida Keys.  Other agenda items include a presentation on the Queen of Nassau underwater archaeology project, an update on the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program, a discussion of the Pew Oceans Report, and a presentation on a request to allow hook and line fishing for ballyhoo in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas.

The SAC will also receive updates from Sanctuary Superintendent Billy Causey, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Sanctuary enforcement personnel.

The SAC was established to provide the Sanctuary, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the State of Florida advice on implementation of the Sanctuary’s final management plan. They also serve as liaisons to the community regarding Sanctuary issues. SAC members relay the community’s interests, concerns, and management needs to the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary was established in 1990 in recognition of the special resources found in and around the waters of the Florida Keys. NOAA and the State of Florida jointly developed a comprehensive plan to protect and manage Sanctuary resources. For more information, visit the Sanctuary’s web site at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov

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