The dynamic Gulf: From endangered whales to sea turtles and manatees

6pm: Doors open - cash bar available

6:30pm: Presentation begins

7:30pm: Presentation concludes

Summary: The waters of the Gulf coast are on the move, and so are the marine wildlife that call the area home. From one of the world’s rarest whales to manatees, snook, sea turtles and more, conditions are changing along the Gulf coast. Boaters and sailors are some of the best students of the sea, and have a special role to play in the conservation and understanding of the ecology of the Gulf and coastal waters.

Learn more about the role of the highly endangered Rice’s whale in the health of the Gulf, and how the whales benefit deep sea tuna and marlin. We’ll also explore the phenomenon of tropicalization, as boaters are reporting more sightings of tropical animals like manatees and fishermen are pulling in snook on their fishing lines. Finally, we’ll address some of the changing threats to marine life along the Gulf coast and how boaters can get more involved in conservation.

Presenter: Christian Wagley - Christian Wagley works for Healthy Gulf, a nonprofit organization working on water quality, energy, endangered species and climate issues along the coast of NW Florida and South Alabama. He previously worked on green building and development issues in both the public and private sector, and in 2022 served as Environment co-leader on Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves’ Transition Team.

Christian holds a master’s degree in biology/coastal zone studies from the University of West Florida.

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