Tune into the History of Diving Museum’s Immerse Yourself presentation on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. to learn about a new non-profit organization working to restore the coral reefs surrounding Islamorada.
The museum will be hosting this free, monthly virtual presentation with Kylie Smith, who’s the co-founder and project manager of I.CARE, or Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education. Smith will be discussing the challenges coral reefs in Islamorada are facing, ongoing research and some of the activities that volunteers can get involved with.
I.CARE was founded in 2019 to engage the Islamorada community to be proactive to save its own coral reefs for the future. The organization hosted a clean up event last month and now has two interns working with them. I.CARE is working with several local dive shops, Mote Marine Laboratories and local businesses to spread the word and get the community involved both on land and underwater. Learn more about I.CARE on their website: https://www.icareaboutcoral.org/.
Smith has been studying the factors influencing coral transplant survival and reef fish behavior in the Florida Keys since 2012. She studied the impacts of consecutive bleaching events, Hurricane Irma and disease on coral transplants during her graduate work at Clemson University. Smith maintains partnerships with Mote Marine Lab, Keys Marine Lab, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, Coral Restoration Foundation, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Clemson University, Jacksonville University, Florida International University and other organizations to maximize the survival of both coral and herbivore transplants to restore ecological health to these reefs.
The museum and Smith will be co-hosting the presentation live through a private Zoom meeting. If you are interested in joining, email Emily Kovacs, community outreach coordinator, at programs@divingmuseum.org or call the museum at 305-664-9737 to receive the Zoom Meeting number and password. “Spaces” will be limited, so you must register to reserve your spot. We will stop taking reservations at noon, Nov. 18 or when there are 100 registered participants. The session will be recorded and posted on the HDM YouTube page.
The History of Diving Museum would like to thank November’s sponsor, Dutton Law Group. The Dutton Law Group has been supporting the Museum ever since the Dutton family became involved with the Museum shortly after its opening. The Museum greatly appreciates Dutton Law Group for supporting events, educational outreach and more. You too can become a sponsor today by contacting Lisa Mongelia, Executive Director at: director@divingmuseum.org.