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2002 1st Place Winner Profiles

BUSINESS CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-46

Company:

BP America, Inc., Gulf of Mexico Business Units

Project Name:

Suite of Environmental Stewardship Programs

Category:

Business

Project Type:

Habitat and Nonindigenous Species

Summary: BP submitted their Gulf Guardian application for a suite of Environmental stewardship programs, as opposed to a single program. This application covers BP's involvement in Environmental Education and Environmental Protection programs that serve the Gulf of Mexico and it's surrounding coastal communities. The goals of causing "no accidents, no harm to people, and no damage to the environment" are tenets that permeate every phase of BP's exploration and production operations. In 2001, BP produced one-half million barrels of oil equivalent/day, operated 305 producing platforms and 17 drilling rigs in the Gulf. At the same time, they reduced their environmental emissions (both Green House Gases and oil spills escaping containment) and invested dollars and human energy into various community, environmental and conservation projects. BP is determined to be an environmental leader, demonstrating social responsibility and sound stewardship in all that we do.

Photo 1: A videographer films marine life on the legs of an offshore platform. The "Cyberways to Waterways" underwater webcast is one of many programs that BP sponsors to increase environmental protection and awareness.

PARTNERSHIP CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-29

Company:

The Florida Aquarium

Project Name:

Fantasy Island: A Cooperative Conservation & Education Project

Category:

Partnerships

Project Type:

Habitat/Nonindigenous Species

Summary: Just north of the Alafia River in upper Tampa Bay is a small, three-acre, man-made cay. It is an offshoot of two large spoil islands (islands created by the deposition of dredged bay bottom) owned by the Port of Tampa. The island was overrun by invasive vegetation and was experiencing problems of erosion. The Florida Aquarium has been working in partnership since 2000 with the Tampa Port Authority and multiple other organizations to rehabilitate and enhance the small island. The site will be incorporated into the Aquarium's local eco-tour programs and has been designed for the purpose of educating the public and school groups about the habitats that are found in the bay.

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INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-28

Company:

J.L. Scott Marine Education Center & Aquarium (MEC&A)

Project Name:

Dr. Sharon Walker (Project Marine Discovery)

Category:

Individual

Project Type:

Nonindigenous Species

Summary: Dr. Sharon H. Walker was instrumental in developing the Project Marine Discovery Program for the purpose of providing students, teachers, and community members with opportunities to learn about the Gulf of Mexico and other marine and aquatic environments. Since 1987, eleven formal and informal programs for teachers, adults, and youth have been implemented. These programs were developed based on the public interest and needs. Renew America, a national coalition that promotes environmental initiatives, named the Project Martine Discovery Program as its 1993 National Environmental Achievement Award winner. Dr. Walker continues to oversee and direct this very successful program.

Photo 1: Students' Mini-camps allow students of all ages the opportunity to interact with coastal habitats "up close and personally."

Photo 2: PMD: Sea Camp students get "up close and personal" with a juvenile alligator in the Reptile Encounter experience.

Photo 3: Even our youngest children can benefit from hands-on experiences with marine organisms-when interpreted by Docents in the PMD programs.

Photo 4: Sea Camp students receive enhanced content regarding numerous indigenous reptiles, which is then reinforced with a "personal" encounter with living and preserved animals.

GOVERNMENT CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-17

Company:

City of Baytown

Project Name:

Baytown Environmental Enhancement Program

Category:

Government

Project Type:

Habitat

Summary: In 1990, the City of Baytown formed the Goose Creek Stream Development Committee, which aimed to restore one of the city's most neglected treasures. Over the years, Goose Creek, which feeds into one of Baytown's six bays, had been treated as a dumping ground. The committee envisioned a creek complete with trails and scenic overlooks. However, its vision soon expanded. Plans were put in place not only to revitalize the creek, but to also restore a flood-devastated neighborhood to its natural wetland habitat; to create a wetlands education and recreation center; and most recently, to develop an arboretum. These projects are ongoing.

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Baytown Nature CenterExit Disclaimer

Baytown Wetlands Center Exit Disclaimer

YOUTH/EDUCATION CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-09

Company:

Project CATE Foundation, Inc.

Project Name:

Project CATE: Ribbits Big Splash

Category:

Youth/Education

Project Type:

Habitat

Summary: Ribbit's Big Splash is a free, environmental education/conservation CD-ROM program for students aged 8-12 on water (rivers, ponds, wetlands, Gulf of Mexico). Funded by the Project CATE (Conservation Action Through Education) Foundation, Inc., in Mobile, it presents interactive, decision-making activities for computer, home, and school. The project purpose was to provide an Alabama and Gulf Coast-specific program, so students would understand the importance of protecting water resources in their state, along the Gulf Coast, and become cognizant of the effect daily activities have on Gulf of Mexico water quality. The program was completed in 2000 and has been used by over 38,000 Alabama students at all grade levels, students in other states, and several foreign countries.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION CATEGORY

Project #:

GG-02-37

Company:

Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, Inc.

Project Name:

The Fish Preserve

Category:

Civic/Nonprofit Organization

Project Type:

Habitat

Summary: The FISH Preserve is the result of many private individuals working toward a common goal. In December of 2000 Mr. Louise Schewe agreed to sell 95 acres of undeveloped land situated between Sarasota Bay and Cortez Road in Bradenton. This land consists of 72 acres of mangroves and 23 acres of uplands. Mrs. Schewe's asking price from FISH was $250,000. She accepted a $1000 down payment and financed the remaining principal for four years at 8% interest. Local papers referred to this as "the deal of the century." FISH has received donations from $1 up to $10,000. The most unique aspect of this project is that is even happened. Land values in Manatee County and Florida have skyrocketed. 95 acres on Sarasota Bay has got to be worth a fortune. For Mrs. Schewe to agree to something so wonderful at such an incredible price almost seemed too good to be true. She gave an incredible gift to everyone and inspired many to follow in her footsteps with acts of generosity and good will.

Photo 1: The members of FISH were thrilled to learn that the FISH Preserve had won first place in the non-profit category of the Gulf Guardian Awards Program. This land preservation effort is so very important to the people of Cortez and Manatee County; it's nice to know that others are appreciative of what it has taken to make this a reality.

Gulf of Mexico Program Office
Mail Code: EPA/GMPO
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000
228-688-3726
FAX: 228-688-2709


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