The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Research Reserve) will host its annual State of the Reserve symposium on Friday, Feb. 1.
This year's theme, "Celebrating 20 Years," will highlight the reserve's long-term research projects, including research on local fish and lizards, habitat mapping efforts, mangroves and saltmarshes, and wave, current and wind measurements of the reserve’s beaches and water quality.
"Each year I look forward to the State of the Reserve which provides an opportunity for staff, volunteers, visiting scientists and partners to share the progress and results of their research within GTM’s boundaries," said Dr. Michael Shirley, director of GTM Research Reserve. "GTM was chosen as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System because of its pristine condition and a combination of natural and cultural resources."
The symposium is kicking off with a morning session, “How’s the Water: Eutrophication and Us!” which will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about eutrophication, over-enrichment of water by nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, the natural processes and its causes and impacts.
The traditional scientific symposium in the afternoon will include oral presentations on technical research conducted at the reserve, followed by a poster session and a reception hosted by the Friends of the GTM Reserve. The event is open to the public. Registration is required to attend the reception.
The GTM Research Reserve was officially designated in 1999 as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Estuarine Research Reserve System within St. Johns and Flagler counties. It is one of 29 reserves in 23 states and one territory. Additionally, GTM is one of three reserves in Florida, and is administered on behalf of the state by DEP's Florida Coastal Office as part of a network that also includes 41 aquatic preserves, a National Marine Sanctuary, the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council.
For more information, contact Kaitlyn.Dietz@FloridaDEP.gov.
