PAA: Public Awareness Announcement

PAA: Public Awareness Announcement regarding the Port of Everglades Expansion.

http://florida.sierraclub.org/broward/articles/newsletters/11DecJanSierra.pdf 

Thank you Sierra Club.

“

The Broward Sierra Club ExCom passed the

following resolution, and delivered it to the

Broward County Commission:

WHereAs

Sierra Club Broward Group has

been involved for decades with the protection

of Florida coastal habitats, including at Port

Everglades; and

WHereAs

the protection of the Florida

coastline is essential to the South Florida

economy and jobs in the marine industry

including sports fishing, charter boats, dive

shops, tour operations, beach going, and

tourism generally; and

WHereAs

a proposed deepening of

Port Everglades channel would involve

underwater dredging, blasting, and dumping

of six million cubic yards of dredged debris

over a large area a short distance offshore;

and

WHereAs

underwater dredging, blasting,

and dumping are likely to degrade the quality

of marine waters and harm or kill corals,

snook, sea turtles, and reef fish, as well

the marine flora and fauna necessary for a sustainable

marine industry and tourist economy; and

WHereAs

the federally-protected West Indian Manatee

is an endangered species that regularly utilizes the

waters and sea grass beds directly in the vicinity of the

project and congregates in winter near the warm-water

discharge of the FPL power plant surrounded on all four

sides by Port Everglades, where underwater blasting is

planned to occur, and underwater blasting causes a noise

that can travel long distances underwater, disorienting

and harming marine animals; and

WHereAs

blasting and dredging may increase taxes

to pay for beach nourishment, to repair the effects of

sand migration from channel deepening, and, in addition,

cause higher insurance costs for protection against storm

damage; and

WHereAs

in addition to channel deepening there is a

plan to destroy approximately 12 acres of high-quality

tidal mangroves in the construction of the turning notch,

something that Sierra Club has consistently opposed.

 

The single most important thing I sat down and read in 2011; Coral Reefs.

The single most important thing I sat down and read in 2011; Coral Reefs of the Caribbean report.

http://www.icriforum.org/news/2011/08/report-caribbean-mpa-capacity-assessment -ICRI WEB FOR Re DIRECT LINK AND SUMMARY

http://campam.gcfi.org/CapAssess/CapacityAssessmentReport2011/index.html – Beautifully done, great job. Need a Summary?

 

Topic:

Global scientific monitoring and mangement of MPA’s (Marine Protected Areas) of coral reef eco-systems

in the greater Caribbean.

ICRI IINTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE DATA FROM AUGUST 2011.

Compliments of Ocean Rehab Initiative’s William. http://oceanrehab.org

News: A VOLUNTEER SOUTH EAST FLORIDA CORAL REEF INTITIATIVE: OCEAN REHAB INITATIVE INC.

A VOLUNTEER SOUTH EAST FLORIDA CORAL REEF INTITIATIVE: OCEAN REHAB INITATIVE INC.
VOLUNTEER DIVERS AND SNORKELERS WORKING TO PROTECT FLORIDAS CORAL REEFS WITH SCIENTIFIC SURVEYS.

Ocean Rehab Initiative say’s:
Many thanks to Reef Check Eco-divers Nikole Ordway, Valerie Gaynor, Nathalie Zenny, David Desrocher, Captain Don Voss, Ariane Demitris, William Djubin, CBS Videographers and Producers and the Crew of Abernethy’s Deep Obsession.

Baseline Data Collection, Florida Reef Eco-system, Ocean Rehab Initiative, Reef Check Foundation.
We survey for Biomass of Fishes, Invertebrates and Coral- we also estimate health and damages to Reef Eco-systems including Disease and Bleaching.
Ocean Rehab is currently looking for Charter Sponsors to facilitate this project. Contact Mike Readling for Information on how you can help us “Protect Florida’s Reefs and Lifestyles”

HTTP://oceanrehab.org

PRESS RELEASE: COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH OCEAN REHAB FOR REEFS

June 7, 2011 

Community Foundation Link

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

William Djubin, Ocean Rehab Initiative, President

Ocean Rehab Initiative Link

 

(561) 308-8848, William_djubin@msn.com

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH OCEAN REHAB INITIATIVE AND CITIZEN DIVERS TO PROTECT OUR REEFS AND COASTLINES

 

(June 2, 2011) WEST PALM BEACH – Ocean Rehab Initiative, a Palm Beach County based Coral Reef Initiative is pleased to announce it has received a $2,500 matching grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties with a total of $5,000 directed towards Coral Reef Conservation. Ocean Rehab Initiative will use these funds to support its Florida Reef Project and continue its mission of surveying the entire length of the Southeastern Reef Tract. 

The Florida Reef Project employs citizen divers to survey the reef, which stretches from the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County, all the way to the Florida Keys. A major concentration of the portion of the reef which lies closest to shore is in Martin and Palm Beach counties. These divers are certified free of charge according to Reef Check International standards. They agree to perform two survey dives over the next two years. These dives will create the first ever baseline of the reef system, allowing for proper management in the future.

The grant, on behalf of the Wendy and Royall Victor III Fund for Environment and Landmark Preservation of the Community Foundation, will allow Ocean Rehab Initiative to certify twelve Palm Beach and Martin County divers. Those divers will then begin surveying the reef line that runs along Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

“A real progress in addressing environmental challenges is to involve a broad group of concerned citizens. The Ocean Rehab Initiative does exactly that by employing citizen divers in studying and mapping the reef structures off the east coast of South Florida, which is one of the most endangered marine environments extant,” says Royall Victor III, Chair of the Environmental Committee and the Vice Chair of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties Board of Directors.

 “Ocean Rehab Initiative is extremely grateful to the Community Foundation for this very generous grant,” said William Djubin, president of Ocean Rehab Initiative. “It is only because of foundations like the Community Foundation that we are able to exist, much less perform this work, which is very important to everyone who lives along Florida’s coast.”

Ocean Rehab Initiative is a 501(c) (3) Public Charity Non-profit volunteer organization Ocean Rehab’s next scheduled “Citizen Scientist” diver certification classes will be held the third week of  June 2011 thanks to the sponsorship of CFPBMC.  

Contact Ocean Rehab Initiative at http://OceanRehab.org or e-mail at info@oceanrehab.org for any inquiries.

 

The Community Foundation awards grants through a competitive application and review process. (Ask the Community Foundation to supply a quote regarding your project by emailing the Director of Communications and Marketing.)

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

As one of Florida’s largest community foundations, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties advances quality of life, citizen engagement, and regional vitality through its promotion of philanthropy. We have been in existence for more than 35 years, with permanent endowment now totaling more than $100 million. Last year, the Foundation awarded over $3.4 million in grants and led initiatives to address critical issues of common concern among our region’s communities, including hunger, homelessness, affordable housing, and the conservation and protection of water resources. We are the trusted steward of over 250 funds created by area families, philanthropists, corporations and private foundations for charitable investment in our region’s communities. To learn more, please visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org or our You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/palmbeachmartincf.

Mass Pilot Whale stranding/beaching in Florida Keys update

Mass Pilot Whale stranding in Florida Keys

Mass Pilot Whale stranding/beaching in Florida Keys; a report from the front-line.
We, Ocean Rehab board members volunteered during past three days at the Marine Mammal Conservancy to help with the rehabilitation of 4 Stranded/Beached Pilot Whales, and here’s what we know.
Volunteers are needed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at the Marine Mammal Conservancy until further notice.No one will be turned down when offering to help in any way.
And yes of course this weekend had thousands of Volunteers and Environmentalists from all sectors but we all know the novelty will soon wear out and MMC will be on their own.
4 teams of 3-4 people are needed just for the Whales (in the water) 24 hours a day.
a total of 25 volunteers are needed at all times to assist with multiple other necessary tasks.
We pledge ourselves to help with organizing volunteers for the future tasks at hand.

Mass Pilot Whale stranding in Florida Keys

Thank you for listening. William

A news story is here:
http://www.keysnet.com/2011/05/13/339075/male-pilot-whale-euthanized.html

April Fool’s Day and Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc.

April Fool’s Day and Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc.

About Ocean Rehab and April Fool’s Day

Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc. was actually born on this exact date; April Fool’s Day is the day that is stamped on our determination letter by the IRS declaring Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc. a 501(c) (3) public charity. Donors and Charter Sponsors whether independent or corporations receive 100% tax deductions for their generosity.

We are Reef Check Florida; an Ecological Assessment and Long Term monitoring program for the Southeast Florida Reef System as administered by Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc. 

We hope you enjoy our project and work’s to protect Florida’s most valuable eco-system, the Oceans.

the Politics of Green and Oil Spill Damages; priceless

the Politics of Green and Oil Spill Damages; priceless

Fishery at Breakers Reef June 22, 2010 (Ocean Rehab)

Ocean Rehab Initiative Inc. pre- Oil Spill Surveys of Breakers Reef slideshow on Earth Rehab Flickr’ . click here and see what’s happening to protect Florida’s underwater eco-systems.

Slideshow Click.

 

What’s World Wildlife’s Problem in USA?

What’s World Wildlife Fund’s problem in USA?

I apologize to all EarthRehab fans, but we must immediately remove WWF from our site. Unbelievable to think about after raising awareness for their excellent work abroad for 3 years.

- the unbelievable harrassment we have been getting from WWF has got us scratching our heads at EarthRehab..

They (WWF) claim that our support for their work is insignificant and they do not want for us to raise awareness or funding for them in any way. Michael Kite has threatend to have his Lawyers file a law suit. 

Mr. Kite also said that EarthRehab does not benefit their organization, as they are the #1 most respective and largest Environmental Effort on the Planet.

E-mail letter “Cease & Decist” from WWF’s Michael Kite:

May 20, 2010

William Djubin Founder EarthRehab

Dear Mr. Djubin,

 Pursuant to our phone conversation today, please immediately remove World Wildlife Fund’s name and logo anywhere it appears on your web site or marketing materials.  I have included a copy of where this appears on your site.  We requested this via U.S. mail and email on December 6, 2007, enclosed for reference.  We require a licensing agreement anytime someone communicates to the consumer that a donation can be made to WWF based on the sale of a product.  

Please certify to us in writing within 10 business days that you have taken this action.  If you have any questions, please contact me at 202-495-4677 or michael.kite@wwfus.org.  In addition, I can put you in touch with our legal counsel if you would like.

Sincerely,
Michael Kite World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037-1193
Phone: 202.495.4677
Fax: 202.495.4270
michael.kite@wwfus.org
www.worldwildlife.org

the politics of Green and Wildlife corridor’s

the politics of Green and Wildlife corridor’s

Upset by the decision to develop a local parcel (pud32) in Palm Beach County that represents Native Florida and contains several protected species I write this post.

Pud 32 recently annexed by the Town of Juno from unincorporated Palm Beach County is slotted for development of Luxury Townhouse with canals and private boat slips by Toll Brothers. Sounds great right, but wait…

Pud 32 located on the SW Corner of Ellison Wilson Rd. and Donald Ross Rd. is a Wildlife Corridor and a Native Tree and Mangrove Forest. This parcel should get a fair assessment of ecological and environmental values before removing muck, mangroves, native trees and species and laying the concrete foundation. My research finds that Florida is liable to protect these sparce areas:

Florida

Florida’s Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development

Regulation Act requires local governments to plan and develop regulations that:

12. Assure protection of key natural areas and agricultural lands that are

identified using state and local inventories of natural areas. Key natural areas

include, but are not limited to:

a. Wildlife corridors.

b. Lands with high native biological diversity, important areas for threatened and endangered species, species of special concern, migratory bird habitat, and intact natural communities.

c. Significant surface waters and springs, aquatic preserves, wetlands, and

outstanding Florida waters.

d. Water resources suitable for preservation of natural systems and for water resource development.

e. Representative and rare native Florida natural systems.

Fl. Stat. Ann. ง 163.3246 (2006). Local governments are subject to state and regional oversight, but may obtain more local control of certain areas through a certification process.

But Toll Brothers seem to walk on water as the Largest Luxury Townhouse developer in the US and have several environmental infractions noted throughout the US Fish and Wildlife court system.

Can we save this Wetland?? and preserve this habitat?? that will have to be determined by the State of Florida, US Govt and the Town of Juno.

the Politics of Green; Oil Drilling

the Politics of Green; Oil Drilling

When Obama signed off the Altantic Seaboard he could have never expected this to happen the very same week:

A China oil-transport ship spills millions of Gallons of Oil/Coal near the Great Barrier Reef, the most populated Eco-system that we know of to date. (Trillions of animals in wait)
“”One of the most worrying aspects is that the ship is still moving on the reef to the action of the seas, which is doing further damage” to the coral and hull, Quirk said.”

—————————————————————-
ROCKHAMPTON, Australia (AP) — The crew of a coal-carrying ship that ran aground on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and is leaking oil will be questioned Tuesday about why their vessel was in a restricted area, an official said.
Two tugboats were sent Monday to stabilize the Chinese-registered Shen Neng 1 so that it would not break apart and further damage the fragile coral beneath.
Late Saturday, the Shen Neng 1 rammed into Douglas Shoals, an area that has shipping restrictions in order to protect what is the world’s largest coral reef and one that is listed as a World Heritage site because of its gleaming waters and environmental value as home to thousands of marine species.
“We’ve always said the vessel is up in an area it shouldn’t be in the first place,” Marine Safety Queensland general manager Patrick Quirk said. “How it got to that to that position will be the subject of a detailed investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Board.”
Quirk said the agency was aware that other ships sometimes used a shortcut through the reef, a practice that will also be reviewed by the federal government.
The ship’s owner, Shenzhen Energy, a subsidiary of the Cosco Group that is China’s largest shipping operator, could be fined up to 1 million Australian dollars ($920,000) for straying from a shipping lane used by 6,000 cargo vessels each year.
“This is a very delicate part of one of the most precious marine environments on earth and there are safe authorized shipping channels – and that’s where this ship should have been,” Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said Monday.
She said a boom will be put around the ship Tuesday to contain oil leaking from the hull. Aircraft sprayed chemical dispersants in an effort to break up the slick Sunday.

“Our No. 1 priority is keeping this oil off the Barrier Reef and keeping it contained,” she said.

Authorities fear the ship will break apart during the salvage operation and wreck more coral, or spill more of its heavy fuel oil into the sun-soaked sea. However, Bligh said the risk of the ship breaking apart appeared to have lessened since the first of two tug boats arrived and reduced its movement.
About 2 tons (2 metric tons) of oil have already spilled from the 1,000 tons (950 metric tons) of fuel on board, creating a 100-yard (100-meter) slick that stretches 2 miles (3 kilometers), Marine Safety Queensland said in a statement.
Bligh said it could take weeks to dislodge the ship.

“One of the most worrying aspects is that the ship is still moving on the reef to the action of the seas, which is doing further damage” to the coral and hull, Quirk said.

A police boat was standing by to evacuate the 23 crew members if the ship breaks apart.
The bulk carrier was taking about 72,000 tons (65,000 metric tons) of coal to China from the Queensland port of Gladstone when it slammed into the shoals off Queensland’s coast in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Numerous conservation groups have expressed outrage that bulk carriers can travel through the reef without a specialized marine pilot. Shipping lanes in Australian waters typically require a seasoned captain to go aboard an incoming ship to help navigate around hazards. Until now, the government has said there is no need for marine pilots around the protected area because large ships are banned there