Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection. Her experiences as a scuba diver have given her a unique perspective on the underwater world, allowing her to witness firsthand the changes occurring in the marine habitats around her.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Joan Nolan, conducted by Karen DeMaria, provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental changes observed in the marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys over the years. Joan shares her personal experiences and concerns regarding the decline in water quality and marine life, highlighting issues such as reduced visibility for scuba diving due to increased sediment and algae growth. She discusses the impact of government decisions on the environment and the local fishing industry, emphasizing the lack of resources allocated to address the problems plaguing the waters of the Keys. Throughout the conversation, Joan details the decline in various marine species, including fish, sea urchins, whelks, and sea fans, and notes the presence of particles and slime on fishing traps. She reflects on the historical context of the area's sponge fishing industry and how environmental changes have adversely affected marine life. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of human activity on the marine environment and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Joan expresses her observations on the deterioration of coral reefs, attributing the decline to factors such as severe weather, boat damage, and the removal of channel markers that once protected these delicate ecosystems. She advocates for education and the reinstatement of channel markers as measures to safeguard the coral reefs. Additionally, the interview includes comparative insights into the health of coral reefs in other regions, such as the West Indies, the South Pacific, and New Guinea. Joan expresses a desire to document the remaining living coral in the Bahamas, while another individual shares their experiences of diving in regions where coral reefs thrive in the absence of human impact. Overall, the interview with Joan Nolan serves as a testament to the significant environmental changes in the Keys and underscores the importance of proactive measures to preserve the remaining marine life and water quality in the area.