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PONTE VEDRA BEACH – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s (DEP) Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM
NERR) today celebrated National Estuaries Day with fun and educational
activities for families and children. The celebration focused on the importance
of Florida’s estuaries – the special places where rivers meet the sea.
Among the most productive ecosystems on earth, estuaries serve as nurseries
for fish and shellfish and providing vital nesting and feeding grounds for
coastal birds, sea turtles and marine mammals. Governor Charlie Crist issued a
proclamation declaring September 25, 2010 as National Estuaries Day.
“Estuaries are important economic engines that provide millions of dollars to
coastal communities through tourism, recreational sport fishing and boating”
said DEP Secretary Mimi Drew. “I invite everyone to visit these unique
ecosystems throughout the year, and to work with the Department to help preserve
and protect them.”
The day began with the GTM NERR’s participation in an International Coastal
Cleanup as part of National Estuaries Day. Each year, volunteers remove and
record data on the trash and debris collected from their local beaches, rivers,
lakes and streams as well as along shorelines and underwater
The event also featured performances by the “Puppet People”, a nationally
recognized group of professional puppeteers, singers, actors, artists and
musicians. The message of their program “Water Smart” focused on water
conservation. Other activities throughout the day included live animals and
touch tanks, hands-on science fun, kids’ crafts and games, research activities
and information, several exhibits from partnership organizations, marsh
observation stations and kayaking tours. “Cama” the Dolphin also attended to
teach children about conservation.
Since its inception in 1988, National Estuary Day has strengthened the
partnership between the National Estuary Program and the National Estuarine
Research Reserve System. The two programs protect more than 50 estuarine
habitats that have been federally designated as living resources.
About GTM NERR
GTM NERR is dedicated to the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural
resources through research and monitoring to guide science-based stewardship and
education strategies. The NERR is located along the coast of northeast Florida,
south of Jacksonville and sandwiching St. Augustine. This proximity to major
population hubs and near pristine quality makes it an exceptional recreational
site for local residents and visitors as well as providing opportunities for
research and environmental education. For more information on the GTM NERR,
visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/gtm/.
About DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA)
CAMA manages three National Estuarine Research Reserves in the state, 41 aquatic
preserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary. CAMA’s programs and activities are designed to help Floridians
better understand and conserve the state’s resources through research, education
and preservation. For more information on CAMA, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.
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2012 State of Florida