On Wednesday, June 17th, at 7 pm, the History of Diving Museum will be virtually hosting its Immerse Yourself presentation series via Zoom. This month’s speaker will be Ken Nedimyer, founder of both Reef Renewal Foundation, International and Coral Restoration Foundation.
After spending 30 years as a professional marine life fisherman in the Keys, Ken hung up his nets and started the Coral Restoration Foundation in 2007 to focus on trying to restore the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. Ken worked tirelessly for ten years building up that organization, and in late 2017 he retired from the organization to build a company focused on developing and supporting coral reef restoration programs around the world. The new company, Reef Renewal Foundation, International, is based in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. The mission of this organization is to “Protect and restore coral reefs worldwide by: Inspiring, training and engaging others. Developing new and innovative ways to restore reefs. Demonstrating that coral reefs can still be saved. Being leaders in coral reef education and awareness efforts.”
Reef Renewal Foundation is focused on helping people in other countries develop local programs to protect and restore their coral reefs. Ken recognizes that efforts to restore coral reefs are only part of the solution to a much bigger problem, but this is something that can and must be done now, and something he feels called to be a part of.
Last year, Ken helped form a Florida Keys branch of Reef Renewal called Reef Renewal USA, and most of his work in Florida will be done under this banner. Reef Renewal USA strongly believes in the idea of local ownership, and is working hard to engage, train, and empower local people to get involved in restoring the reefs of the Florida Keys and South Florida.
Right now the Florida Keys Reef Renewal is working on developing offshore nursery techniques for 18 different species of important corals, and along with developing those techniques, it is working on ways to expedite the process of outplanting the corals onto our local reefs. They’re working closely with NOAA and FWC to develop and implement a restoration plan for the Iconic Reefs program in the Florida Keys.
Ken will be briefly talking about his work internationally, but the focus is his work with Reef Renewal here in the Florida Keys.
The Museum and Ken will be co-hosting the presentation live through a private Zoom meeting. If you are interested in joining the virtual presentation, email Community Outreach Coordinator Emily Kovacs 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 12:00 pm, June 17. Following the presentation, we will post the recorded session on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDivingmuseum.
The History of Diving Museum would like to thank June’s sponsor, Museum members Bob Murray and Barbara Overton. These wonderful members are very active within the Museum, from being on the Board, volunteering at events, and engaging in educational outreach. Thank you Bob and Barbara for your continued support!The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Islamorada (MM83). It is a must see for anyone traveling along Overseas Highway. Divers and non-divers alike are astonished by over 4,000 years of “man’s quest to explore under the sea.” Check out DivingMuseum.org to find out more, including upcoming events, group discounts, or private tours. The facility is also available for private meetings and events. Email programs@divingmuseum.org to find out more.
