SeaKeepers' Programs 

Scientific Advisory Council

The International SeaKeepers Society Board of Directors has formed a Scientific Advisory Council.  These eminent scientists and ocean advocates advise us regarding critical issues regarding our world's oceans.  This learned group is chaired by Dr. Mark Luther, University of South Florida and includes Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue and National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Bill Read, Director of the National Hurricane Center; Dr. Roni Avissar, Dean RSMAS at the University of Miami; Admiral (Ret) Richard West, former Chief Oceanographer of the United States; Fabien Cousteau, Plant-a-Fish; and Dr. James Morris, University of South Carolina. 

In February 2011 in Miami, the council convened on Founding Member, HRH Khaled bin Sultan’s  Golden Shadow (Living Oceans Foundation) for a review of the state of coral reefs. In early October, SeaKeepers was a participant/sponsor of the international Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Miami.  The SeaKeepers Scientific Advisory Council members convened a panel discussion at the Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Show with a focus on the state of the oceans and on deep ocean exploration.  Sylvia Earle and Fabien Cousteau were featured key note speakers. The panel was widely attended and received considerable media coverage.

Deep Ocean Exploration

Deep ocean exploration is immensely important.  Working with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Founder and Board member, Patty Elkus and her husband Rick, helped fund an expedition to explore the Sirena Deep (34,000 ft) in the Marianas off the coast of Guam. The results were spectacular with new species discovered.

At our Board Meeting we unanimously agreed to implement an important initiative called AccessTogether with Scripps and other universities, SeaKeepers is developing a program whereby member yachts in transit are used as vessels of opportunity for the deployment and retrieval of deep ocean vehicles (DOV).   This is a significant expansion in our data collection efforts…truth in science.

Mooring Buoys

As part of its protective efforts, SeaKeepers funded protective mooring buoys which were deployed in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and in Belize.  The work in 2011 has laid the ground for programs in 2012 as SeaKeepers continues to expand in its mission.
Armed with the successful deployment of placing protective mooring buoys in 2011, SeaKeepers in 2012 will initiate an “adopt a buoy program" whereby members can purchase a buoy that will be expertly installed on sensitive reefs.

Internal Growth

We are pleased to welcome Julian Chang Executive Director of CIMC Raffles Offshore Limited (CIMC Raffles-Singapore) to our Board of Directors. His international reach and involvement with SeaKeepers will be a nice addition to the already prestigious group of board members.

We are also happy to announce new staff at SeaKeepers headquarters now located in Coral Gable, FL.  Julie Dick, Esq. and Richard Snow joined in the spring as Director of Policies and Programs, and Director of Member Services respectively.  Long time employee Rosa Maulini has accepted a position in St. Petersburg with YSI (SeaKeepers primary partner for the installation and maintenance of the SeaKeepers 1000).  We wish her continued success, and are fortunate that her expertise is only a phone call away.  Carmen Howell has joined us, and will assume many of Rosa's duties.  Jen Mangham continues in her communications role and we have a new intern, Brittany Stockman, who is completing her Masters in Marine Policy.  

Fisheries and Blue Marinas

SeaKeepers was a signatory on several key issues including the Friends of NOAA movement in defense of their 2012 budget and the banning of commercial and recreational fishing for certain species of sharks in Florida waters.  We also promoted the Blue Marina Boating Program (which is featured on our website). SeaKeepers intends to continue to be an advocate for sustainable fisheries.  By necessity, this will require protection of some of the most threatened species.  Blue fin tuna and sharks are particularly at risk.

Technology

Through the generosity of Founder and Board member, Jay Wade, our website has been completely revamped.  We look forward to further enhancements. There have been wonderful changes in technology as the internet and applications continue to expand.  A long anticipated project was completed when VDARS (Visual data acquisition and reporting system) was installed.  This advance permits visual acquisition of data on the bridge of the vessel.  Training and implementation was in part funded by a NOAA grant.

SeaKeepers will be working with commercial partners for the development of data collection devises based upon cutting edge advances.   Weather data in particular is important given the NOAA budget constraints. 

Cuba's Coral Reefs

As highlighted at the SeaKeepers panel discussion in February 2011, coral reef preservation is an important priority.  In this hemisphere, the reefs of Cuba are some of the most pristine.  SeaKeepers will be working with other like minded organizations to develop a plan of protection in anticipation of rapid development in Cuba.