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MARINE RESOURCES COUNCIL | DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

 

Letter from the Executive Director

 

Hello, Lagoon Lovers!

 

When Marine Resources Council presented the 21st Indian River Lagoon Action Assembly in August, one of the questions we asked participants was: How can we improve communication to the public about Indian River Lagoon restoration? After group discussions, everyone worked together in small groups to develop calls to action. Participants included representatives from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, yet lists for improving communication with the public were strikingly similar. The one action item listed by almost every group was: Lean into positive messaging and the progress being made rather than emphasizing the problems and negatives. Another top action was to emphasize the impact of individual citizens on the Lagoon and actions they can take in their lives to make a more positive impact.

 

We took these action items to heart when writing the 2024 Indian River Lagoon Report, with the goal of emphasizing progress, collaboration, and individual action. We are fortunate that this year had encouraging messages of progress to share. Seagrass spread in several regions of the IRL, water quality was “okay” by EPA standards in places, and there were no persistent, widespread algal blooms. However, as to be expected, it’s not all good news. That message is important to share, too, because it emphasizes how much work is left to do.

 

We also took the outcomes of the Assembly to heart when establishing MRC’s 2025 goals. We asked ourselves, How can we help fuel transformational progress in the Lagoon and coastal communities? How can we empower individuals to make changes? With these questions in mind heading into 2025, we aim to:

·    Empower more communities and individuals to embrace “low impact living” initiatives through advocacy for low impact development on large scales and Lagoon-friendly lifestyles on individual scales.

·    Expand our mangrove nursery to support habitat restoration efforts along the Indian River Lagoon and beyond.

·    Develop unique and effective educational programming for all communities.

But to achieve these goals, we need your help. With just weeks left in 2024, I’m asking for your support to help us finish strong. Your donation today can directly fund shoreline restoration, public education initiatives, and advocacy for healthier Lagoon communities. Thank you for being part of our 2024 journey and we hope to see you in 2025.

 

With gratitude,

Dr. Laura Wilson

Executive Director

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Marine Resources Council | 3275 Dixie Hwy NE | Palm Bay, FL 32905 US

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