Jim Thomas
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
Jim Thomas is a seasoned marine biologist and conservationist with a career spanning several decades in the field of marine ecology. His expertise lies in fisheries, marine life, and coral reef ecosystems. Thomas has dedicated his professional life to the study and preservation of marine environments, with a particular focus on the intricate relationships between different species and their habitats. He has been actively involved in research, conservation efforts, and advocacy, working closely with both scientific communities and government agencies. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of marine ecosystems and the development of strategies for their sustainable management.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Jim Thomas provides a comprehensive overview of his extensive work in marine biology and conservation. The conversation centers on key topics such as funding for marine research, the impact of fishing on marine life, and the observed changes in the marine environment over time. Thomas emphasizes the critical need for documenting these changes to inform conservation and management practices. Throughout the interview, Thomas discusses a range of environmental and conservation issues, highlighting the importance of monitoring programs, water quality assessments, and the detrimental effects of activities like fishing and the removal of live rock. He expresses concern over the slow progress in addressing these environmental challenges, citing conflicts and frustrations with government agencies. The discussion also delves into the specifics of coral management and research. Thomas talks about the necessity for timely and useful data to manage coral populations effectively and the challenges posed by environmental changes on coral reefs. He stresses the value of scientific research in understanding coral health and the limitations that come with relying on indirect measurements. The conversation further explores the potential long-term effects of water management on coral ecosystems and the beneficial role of mangroves. Overall, the interview transcript with Jim Thomas serves as a valuable record of his insights and experiences in marine conservation, reflecting his commitment to the field and the urgency of addressing the environmental issues facing marine ecosystems.
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.