| 30 October 2009
Brett Fitzgerald was recognized as Person of the Year for his leadership and accomplishments.
Where can science, conservation, and fishermen come together in support of good times, marine resources, and coastal habitat? The Snook Foundation's Oktoberfest! Last weekend (Oct. 23-25) the Snook Foundation hosted a charity banquet and co-hosted an Inshore Fishing Challenge in delightful Punta Gorda.
The goal was to involve sportsmen and women across the state, and encourage them to take action to protect and preserve fishery habitat and natural resources. The event was a great success! At the banquet the Snook Foundation's executive director Rick Roberts presented the foundation's 2009's awards to four people with outstanding accomplishments in preservation, leadership, and conservation-minded angling, and recognized the contributions of many others. Rick and the winners told stories of the small, but smart and powerful fights to save Florida's precious habitats from threats like uninformed dredging and development.
Many people attending the event came away with an understanding of how crucial these little struggles are to safeguarding Florida's natural resources and fisheries for generations to come. more event photos
The Person of the Year award went to Brett Fitzgerald who spent innumerable hours over the last two years researching and coordinating the defense of essential fish habitat in Palm Beach county. Brett has worn just about every hat in the fight to protect Reach 8, from fund raising organizer to chauffeur to angler-witness. He spent long hours understanding the scientific and legal arguments for and against beach dredging and then took the stand to testify in the administrative hearing that broke new ground for fish habitat protection. Brett is SE Regional Director of the Snook Foundation.
Researcher Ron Taylor and Capt Danny Barrow, share a laugh"Each of these individuals simply did what they could.' None were exceptionally equipped for the job of stopping the steamroller of habitat destruction, but each took a stand, uncertain of exactly what risks and sacrifices would be required, or of the help they would find on the way," explained Rick Roberts, regarding selection of the award winners. "They are people who could not look the other way when confronted with impending loss of our most essential marine resources."
"I did it for this guy here," said Angler of the Year, Capt. Danny Barrow, pointing to one of the children in the crowd, "because I want him to be able to go fishing when I'm gone." Danny put his business and his home on the line when he joined the politically charged lawsuit to halt Reach 8 dredging in Palm Beach.
Jim Oppenborn was honored for Excellence in Habitat RestorationJim Oppenborn, who was honored for Excellence in Habitat Restoration, is a public servant in the true sense of the word. As the Marine Resource Coordinator for St. Lucie County, Jim said he basically listened and responded to requests from people in the community, in order to get started on his successful deployments of artificial reefs and restoration of oyster beds in Indian River Lagoon.
Preliminary findings show at least 96 fish species using the artificial reefs including 13 species of juvenile game fish. Jim's ongoing efforts include coordinating permits, supervising an army of volunteers, soliciting and managing public and private funding, and keeping everyone involved in the projects informed and up to date on progress.
Phil Buchanan, retired attorney and resident of Matlacha, was honored for Excellence in Habitat ProtectionPhil Buchanan, a retired attorney and resident of Matlacha, was honored for Excellence in Habitat Protection. As a key member in the effort to stop the dumping of stormwater into Matlacha pass, Phil has spent more than 18 months sifting through scientific and legal information to help lead the Environmental Management Assessment group towards a successful solution. As a result, the citizens group is close to endorsing a plan that will lead to restoration of and protection of 85 miles of 'living shoreline' in and around Matlacha Pass. Rather than getting bogged down in assigning blame or penalizing anyone, Phil helped keep the group focused on the facts and the realities we have to work with, while keeping preservation of juvenile fish habitat as an essential requirement in the plans.
Also recognized for their contribution to the City of North Cape Coral - Matlacha Pass EMA process were attorney Ralf Brookes, John and Eileen Feldmann, Phil Stevens, Holly Schwartz, and Paul Holmes. more event photos
Special Thanks to Sponsors
Each person that came had something unique to offer, be it deep rooted traditional knowledge of Florida and her waters or the latest in snook and estuaries science. The event also provided a place for everyone, from curious vacationers and sage fishermen to respected scientists and accomplished environmental lawyers, to interact, share a laugh, and even catch a fish or two. In fact, the fishing was great and there were indeed a few inshore slams caught and released. Most importantly though many people came out with big hearts, interest, and a desire to help the cause. So thanks to all of you who made this event so special, and to those of you that couldn't make it we hope to see you at future events!
Thanks to Oktoberfest Sponsors!
more event photos
