Backup Documents 09/23/2014 Item # 4B 4 B
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, estuaries occur where creeks and rivers meet the sea and are protected coastal
areas serving as important nurseries for marine life, recreation and provide
essential habitat for over 75 percent of our nation's commercial fish catch; and
WHEREAS, estuaries provide over 28 million jobs in commercial and recreational fishing,
boating and tourism, generating $111 billion yearly; and
WHEREAS, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects and manages 110,000
acres along Collier County's coastline and represents one of the few remaining
undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America; and
WHEREAS, Rookery Bay is part of a network of 28 reserves focused on long-term research,
water quality monitoring, education and coastal stewardship. Established by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the reserve system is a partnership
program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the
coastal states; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is to provide a
basis for informed stewardship of estuaries through research and education and
offers field classes for K-12 students and supports teachers through professional
development programs in marine education; and
WHEREAS, National Estuaries Day was established in .1988 and is an annual event that
promotes the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida that a grateful Board recognizes Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve and joins coastal communities across the country to designate September
27th as National Estuaries Day.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 23rd Day of September 2014.
BOARD OF OUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLI R OUNTY LORIDA
Tom Henning, CHAIRMAN