Florida Sea Grant Receives 2003 Sustainable Florida Award

By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281

Source:
James Cato jcato@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-5870 ext. 227

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GAINESVILLE, Fla.—The Council for Sustainable Florida has selected the Florida Sea Grant Program to receive the top award in its field in the 2003 Sustainable Florida Awards competition.

Florida Sea Grant, based at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, received the award July 17 for best practices in the university category in the annual awards competition, which recognizes organizations, businesses and universities that have demonstrated a commitment to Florida’s long-term prosperity and overall environmental health.

The Florida Sea Grant Program was selected for its ability to solve critical coastal and marine problems as well as produce new scientists, ocean policy experts and industry leaders who will be responsible for continuing the preservation of Florida’s coastal resources.

“An expert panel of leaders from government, business, civic and environmental groups evaluated the nominees and selected the winners based on the program’s contribution to a sustainable future for Florida, and its accomplishments, economic benefits and ease with which the program can be replicated by other organizations,” said James Cato, director of the Florida Sea Grant Program.

Florida Sea Grant is a partnership that includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, and Florida’s universities, residents, businesses, and federal and state authorities. The program comprises 11 state universities, three private universities and two marine research laboratories. Florida Sea Grant annually supports approximately 25 graduate students to develop problem-solving skills to address critical coastal issues.

“One goal of the program is to help Florida residents become scientifically and environmentally informed,” Cato said. “Approximately 225 training classes, workshops or presentations are held statewide each year.”

He said Florida Sea Grant projects focus on marine biotechnology, as well as a number of other issues, including improving aquaculture, seafood safety and fisheries, and supporting sustainable water-dependent businesses.

The Sustainable Florida Awards were presented in the auditorium of the Broward County Main Library. Frank Brogan, former lieutenant governor and president of Florida Atlantic University, was the keynote speaker. The awards ceremony was the opening event for the weekend-long Business, Environment, Learning and Leadership Conference.

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Posted: July 17, 2003


Category: UF/IFAS



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