Today Mike Gravitz, Director of Policy and Legislation, Marine Conservation Institute, Washington, DC;  Dr. John Reed, Professor at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University;  Dr. Grant Gilmore, Former Professor at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University. Founder of Estuarine, Coastal and Ocean Science, Inc.;   Dr. Edith Widder, Former Senior Researcher at at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University and founder and CEO of Ocean Research Conservation Association and David Derrick Esq, Ocean Extern at Marine Conservation Institute met with NOAA to discuss opposition to Amendment 10, with imperils the Oculina Reef.  

As a part of this meeting they submitted the results of the petition as well as a letter in support of our cause signed by nine Florida Organizations and Five National Organizations.  

We will keep you posted as we hear more about NOAA's reply.  It is likely that amendment 10 will go into a public comment period.  In which case, we will update the petition with any additional signatures we are able to obtain and resubmit.  In addition there is a second letter being developed to submit during the public comment period with additional National Organizations signing on in support of our plea.  

Thank you for your support.  Please continue to share this petition with your networks!  

Sincerely,

The Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County