GOV. JEB BUSH SIGNS BILL TO HELP FUND HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION'S WHALE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS |
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TALLAHASSEE, FL., 8 May 2002 - Efforts to protect and to learn more about the whales that inhabit Florida's coastal waters will take a giant leap forward Wednesday when Governor Jeb Bush signs the new "Protect Florida Whales" specialty license plate legislation into law.
Funds from sales of the new plate will be administered by HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution of Fort Pierce and will be used for everything from collecting and analyzing data on Florida's whales to responding to and providing care and rehabilitation for whales that strand themselves on Florida beaches. .jpg)
"We can't say enough about the support we've received from our state legislators who sponsored this bill, Sen. Ken Pruitt, and Rep. Gayle Harrell, and of course Governor Jeb Bush, all of whom recognize the importance of not only preserving, but learning all we can about these magnificent marine mammals that are just as much our neighbors as are the people who live next door to us," said HARBOR BRANCH Dolphin Research Director Stephen McCulloch.
McCulloch, who was instrumental in getting the new plate established, said hundreds of strandings along Florida's coast in recent years and a lack of facilities where whales can be cared for underscores the need for further research and a state-of-the-art facility where that research can be carried out. To that end, funds will also be used to help establish a first-of-its kind Marine Mammal Teaching Hospital and other related facilities at HARBOR BRANCH. The goal is to one day teach veterinarians and scientists from around the world more about not only how these animals live, but about the environment they live in. Sen. Ken Pruitt said he's excited about the future of the program. 
"Funding from the sale of this license tag will make it possible to establish the first teaching marine mammal veterinary hospital; the first of its kind in the country. It is an exciting venture for the organization, for our community, and for the future of the Florida whales. I was so proud to be a part of it," Pruitt said.
Rep. Harrell said there are economic benefits as well. "This specialty plate will not only go to a great learning institution in our local area which will in turn create more high paying jobs to the Treasure Coast, but it will also help our local scientists study the conservation of marine life," Rep. Harrell said. The colorful scene on the new "Protect Florida Whales" license plate was designed by world-renown marine wildlife artist Wyland, who has made the melding of science and art and educating young people about the marine environment his life's work. Wyland said he was especially excited that 10-percent of the money raised through sales of the new plate would go to the Wyland Foundation and used specifically to carry out educational programs in Florida which promote conservation of Florida marine mammals. "This is a wonderful opportunity for myself and the Wyland Foundation to help educate people about the importance of protecting Florida whales and the oceans we share. The Wyland Foundation looks forward to helping educate an entirely new generation about the importance of these magnificent marine mammals by combining science and art with children's natural interest in the world around them," Wyland said. The legislation for the new plate, which will cost $25, will be effective July 1st. Click here for a high resolution image of the "Protect Florida Whales" plate. For more information please contact Stephen McCulloch, HARBOR BRANCH Director of Dolphin Research, at 772.201.1535. HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, Inc., is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of mankind. |