The Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) will host its annual open house event — free and open to the public — Saturday, March 7 from 1 to 3 p.m..
Located on Long Key at MM 68.5 bayside, KML will have marine animal displays, including live coral from the Florida Coral Reef Rescue Project and a sponge restoration demonstration. There will be researchers and representatives from KML, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, NOAA, Nova Southeastern University, ICARE, and Keys Dives to explain and answer questions on a variety of marine science, restoration and cleanup projects happening throughout the Keys.
Topics will include the Florida Coral Reef Rescue Project, organized by NOAA, FWC and their partners in response to stony coral tissue loss disease currently affecting the entirety of the Florida Reef Tract. NOAA National Marine Sanctuary personnel will be onsite to explain Mission: Iconic Reefs project. ICARE, Islamorada’s new coral restoration initiative, will present its plan to restore Alligator Reef and several other reefs of Islamorada. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University will be available to answer questions about treating diseased corals in the field. Additionally, representatives from Key Dives will talk about marine debris cleanup opportunities in Islamorada.
“Our annual open house is always a great opportunity for the public to come and ask questions about the interesting science taking place right in our very own backyards,” said Cynthia Lewis, KML deputy director. “Come join us for a fun, educational afternoon and learn how you can get involved in local marine restoration and cleanup projects.”
More information is at keysmarinelab.org.
