The brightest Keys minds in marine animal care, rescue and rehabilitation converged on Hawks Cay Resort on Aug. 12 as leaders from more than a dozen organizations collaborated in a disaster planning and recovery workshop. Sponsored by the Protect Wild Dolphins Alliance (PWDA), the day served as a sounding board for animal care facilities throughout the Middle and Upper Keys to identify challenges in their disaster preparedness plans during Hurricanes Wilma, Katrina and Irma. Leaders collaborated to share resources, best practices and opportunities for additional help from community partner organizations during future storms.
The group recognized the contributions of State Rep. Jim Mooney for his assistance in passing legislation to establish the “Protect Marine Wildlife” specialty license plate, the proceeds from which will go towards PWDA’s marine rescue and protection initiatives. The group was also treated to a climate change address by keynote speaker Dr. Richard M. Linnehan, a NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Army captain and former chief clinical veterinarian for the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program.
