The Big Pine Coral Reef Project: Solving the problem of coral reef degradation in Florida

Introduction 

As a matter of urgency, the ecological solution is required to solve the problem of coral reef degradation in Florida. As Florida welcomes developers from other states and the rest of the world, environmentalists have reasons to worry. The alarming rate at which the coral reefs are disintegrating calls for action to protect the marine life that depends on coral reefs to survive ( Lirman & Schopmeyer, 2016). Notably, media reports show the destruction of the Big Pine Coral Reef due to developments and littering (Vidal, 2017; Parker, 2016). For example, Vidal (2017), questioned how half of Florida’s the great coral reef system disappear. This paper presents a proposal to save the Big Pine Coral Reef. My partner (Rajey Green) and I (Faeidra Kiffing) founded the “The Big Pine Coral Reef Project” with the aimed of creating the much-needed environmental condition for coral reef system to expand at the site. In 2007, we launched the Big Pine Coral Reef Project started in Key West, Florida with the aim of providing long-term solution to the problem. 

Statement of Need 

My colleague and I are highly interested in starting this project because our local reef is in danger. For example, foreign developers planned on building an underground restaurant right into the big pine key coral reef. Along with opposing them, our organization plan on cleaning the surrounding areas near the reefs. Doing so will assist in offering the much-needed environment for the return of marine life to the coral system. The coral reefs are extremely important to the ecosystem; they provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms. According to Miami Herald, Florida’s coral reef system is the third-largest living reef on the planet . Therefore, the mission of this project is to reduce the negative impact of human activity on the Big Pine Coral Reef system. 

Methods 

The aim of this project is to ensure gradual goal achievement that will bring sustainable long-term results. Therefore, a series of methods and actions will assist in bringing the desirable outcome within a reasonable timeframe due to the expected limitations of resources. First, we intend to meet form the much-needed alliance with key players. The idea is to seek the support of Senator Marco Rubio and other key figures. Doing so will bring on board key stakeholders who can use their position power to support our noble course. This step is also crucial in creating the awareness, as our idea will receive the much-needed media attention once popular influencers starts talking about it. With Senator’s involvement, we expect stringent laws in future that will ensure that our current efforts and the results we get will always be protected in future. Second, we are eyeing the $500,000 grand to finance the project since it will be difficult for the project to kick-start without the funds required to cover the $223,300, as indicated in Table 1. 

Third, we intend to identify and collaborate with organizations that share our dreams of making Big Pine Coral Reef flourish. Working closely with environmental experts will be critical in ensuring success during the implementation process once we secure the grant. Specifically, we intend to work with Dr. Michael P. Crosby who is the president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory (MOTE). His doctorate degree in marine-related course places him at the best position to offer leadership to our team. Also, Dr. Crosby has a 60-years’ experience that will come handy in offering crucial input in our team. As less experience partners, my colleague and I look forward to learning from Dr. Crosby throughout the procedure. Most importantly, working in collaboration with MOTE, a Florida-based independent global marine research institution will avail use the empirical evidence we need to make informed decisions. 

The battle to save the Big Pine Key Reef has been a long 10-year journey. However, lack of funds and other obstacles have made it difficult for us to achieve our goals. Therefore, we plan to achieve our goals within a period of 4 years once we secure the grant. Our project is time-bound since plan on winning the fight and cleaning up its shores by 2020. 

Data Evaluation 

Data evaluation is an important aspect of our project since we intend to support all our decision-making on empirical evidence. Our target audience includes residents of South Florida, politicians, scientists, current and future developers. For example, availing data on the current pollution and coral reef degradation will justify our course and convince residents, politicians and other players regarding the urgency and importance of conducting our project. Politicians can use the data to push for policies and laws to protect coral reef systems, including the Big Pine Coral Reef. On the other hand, community-level groups can use the data to support their campaigns against human activities that destroy coral reef systems. Once we identify the target group, it will be possible to choose the most appropriate channel for disseminating the information. 

Regarding the dissemination of information, we intend to present through numerous outlets with the aim of reaching specific audiences. Specifically, we intend to focus on developing our official website and make it the main source of information. Linking our website with social media platforms such as Face Book, YouTube, and Twitter will assist in accessing a larger audience while at the same increase the traffic in our official website. For example, it will be possible for social media users to follow the specific links that will direct them to our main website. Once they visit our website, they will have an opportunity to learn about our mission, goals, values, and vision. We also intend to create a platform for visitors to join free membership and receive updates on the various events and cleaning exercises along the Big Pine Coral Reef that we plan to conduct regularly as part of this project. Most importantly creating a Facebook group will help us in targeting region specific audience. We intend to collaborate with other social media groups that ha members in Southern Florida to make sure that the majority of our followers and members come from region. For example, we intend to take advantage of the popularity organizations, individuals, and institutions that operate in the region to command the much-needed huge social media following to involve as much volunteers and supporters from South Florida as possible. 

Proposal Evaluation 

This project proposal presents goals and specific objectives that are not only achievable but also measurable. The most important aspect of this project is to ensure that it works as planed within the stipulated four years and budget. Therefore, the success of this project will be determined by the evaluation of three factors, which include schedule, quality, and cost. Regarding the schedule, we plan to conduct annual assessment for the specific goals throughout the four-year period. Using Google Analytics will assist in assessing traffic in our website. The online tool will assist in analyzing the demographics and interests of the users who visit our site. For example, it will be possible to develop graphs that show daily visit by gender or age, the specific pages that attract the most traffic, and the parts of the website that are performing well among others. These measures will help in understanding the impact of our social media campaign on creating awareness. The analytics will also help in assessing how many residents and how frequent they are talking about Big Pine Coral Reef or our project in general. Comparing these data by year will help in developing longitudinal research framework, where we can correlate our efforts with the outcomes. Doing so will assist as in providing statistical evidence to show the changes that have occurred over the four-year period. 

Regarding the quality, we plan to involve external partners to avoid self-reported data that may lead to reliability and credibility concerns. The thought is to involve independent research organizations such as MOTE in generating scientific evidence on the population and coral reef development over the four years. This is a critical component of our project since it will define how well we have achieved our two primary goals. Similarly, external findings on the activities of marine life will be a crucial measure of success. For example, it will be possible to assess return of fish by assessing any changes in their breeding patterns and their population. Finally, the success in terms of budget will be determined by involving an external accounting firm to evaluate the use of funds against the budget presented in Table 1. 

Budget 

This budget presents a breakdown of the estimated costs for the activities, tools, and human resources. 

References 

Rubio, Marco, and Michael P. Crosby. “We Have the Resources to Save Florida's Dying Coral Reefs. Now, We Just Need the Will.” Miamiherald , Miami Herald, www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article217873600.html . 

Lirman, D., & Schopmeyer, S. (2016). Ecological solutions to reef degradation: optimizing coral reef restoration in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic.  PeerJ ,  4 , e2597. 

Parker, L. (2016, May 02). Florida's Coral Reef Is Disintegrating. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/160502-reef-florida-acidification-fish-miami/ 

Vidal, J. (2017, December 27). How did half of the great Florida coral reef system disappear? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/27/how-did-half-of-the-great-florida-coral-reef-system-disappear-climate-bleaching