Bob Holston and Cecelia Raycroft
Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents
"Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem.
National Capital Contracting
Bob Holston and Cecelia Raycroft are long-time residents of the Florida Keys, with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Bob Holston, a former Navy serviceman, has been diving since the early 1970s. After leaving the Navy in 1972, he opened a dive shop, which has been his primary occupation ever since. His experience in the Navy and subsequent years of diving have given him a wealth of knowledge about the local marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. Cecelia Raycroft, on the other hand, has lived in the Keys her entire life, which spans over forty-four years. She became involved in the dive shop after seeing an opportunity while working in the military. Her lifelong residency and involvement in the local diving industry have given her a unique perspective on the changes in the local marine environment over time. Both Holston and Raycroft have been active in educating others about marine preservation and have been vocal about the need for better regulation and intervention to protect the local marine ecosystems.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Bob Holston and Cecelia Raycroft conducted by Karen DeMaria primarily focuses on their observations and experiences related to the marine environment in the Florida Keys. The discussion covers a range of topics including changes in fisheries, locations of spawning aggregations, water clarity, water quality, and changes in benthic communities. Holston and Raycroft share their concerns about the lack of effective regulation and intervention to protect the marine ecosystems. They discuss the impact of tourism on the local environment and the need for better education about marine preservation. They also express their frustration with the government's lack of action despite being aware of the issues for over ten years. The interview provides valuable insights into the challenges facing the marine environment in the Florida Keys from the perspective of those who have lived and worked there for many years. It also highlights the need for more effective measures to protect these valuable ecosystems.
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