Glenn Evans and Mark Nease

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Description

"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. 

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Biographical Sketch

Glenn Evans and Mark Nease are two divers/boat captains with extensive experience and knowledge about the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Glenn Evans, a seasoned marine biologist, has spent a significant portion of his career studying the changes in the marine ecosystem, with a particular focus on water conditions such as clarity, algae blooms, and visibility. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of the impact of environmental changes on marine life. On the other hand, Mark Nease, a veteran fisherman and environmental advocate, has spent years on the water, observing firsthand the changes in the marine ecosystem. His experiences, coupled with his passion for conservation, have made him a valuable voice in discussions about the impact of human activities, such as tourism and fishing, on the marine environment.

Scope and Content Note
The interview conducted by Karen DeMaria with Glenn Evans and Mark Nease provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. The conversation begins with a discussion about their experiences on the water, including changes in water clarity, algae blooms, and visibility. They also delve into the impact of the Gulf Stream and changes in water conditions over the years. The conversation then shifts to the impact of human activities, specifically tourism and fishing, on the reef ecosystem. They discuss the decline of certain species and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The interview also covers the decline in marine resources and coral coverage in the area, possibly due to overfishing and environmental changes. They discuss the decline in diversity and the impact on the reef ecosystem. The disappearance of sea urchins and the potential impact of shipping lanes on the marine environment are also discussed.


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.