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Reef Exhibit Makes Splash In Key West

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 3, 2008

KEY WEST - A new 2,400-gallon coral reef aquarium exhibit opened Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of an environmental center in the Florida Keys.

As a facet of weekend events at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, marine scientist David Vaughan went into the tank with voice communications to interact with people attending a Friday night reception.

Developed by Mote Marine Laboratory, the reef tank contains fish and invertebrates indigenous to the Keys. It was designed to educate people about preserving the coral reef environment.

The aquarium is part of the Living Reef Exhibit, which also features tanks of hard and soft corals and information about Mote's coral nursery, where more than 22 species of corals are being grown to replenish reefs.

Saturday also marked the presentation of a Coastal America Partnership Award for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's coral protection and restoration program. Since 2003, the program has rescued more than 7,000 coral colonies, which are relocated to restore depleted areas, and used in education and research.

The Associated Press

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