Contact: Sean Cooley, Communications Manager, 850-999-1030, scooley@audubon.org

TAVERNIER, Fla. (March 10, 2017) – Audubon’s Everglades Science Center at Tavernier thanks Bass Pro Shops and World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada, Florida for its donation of a MAKO® 19 CPX- a boat perfectly outfitted to navigate Florida Bay. This boat energizes Audubon’s research efforts and consistent health monitoring of the Southern Everglades and Florida Bay. 

“Bass Pro Shops recognizes that the health of our waterways and ecosystems is essential for successful wildlife conservation,” said Martin MacDonald, Bass Pro Shops conservation director. “We are thrilled to support Audubon Florida and its research, which plays a key role in maintaining the health and vitality of the Everglades ecosystem.”

Audubon’s Everglades Science Center at Tavernier was established in the Florida Keys in 1939 to study the flow of freshwater into Florida Bay and the impacts that water diversion has throughout the Everglades ecosystem. Audubon research has been able to link changes in freshwater flow to decreased plant production and subsequent loss of small fish. These are vital parts of the ecosystem, making up the food base for predators such as game fish, crocodilians, wading birds, and birds of prey. Boats, trucks, and other utility equipment make this research possible.

Under the visionary conservation leadership of its founder Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is known as a national leader in protecting habitat and connecting families to nature with a mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love, and conserve the great outdoors.

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To learn more or support Audubon’s Everglades Science Center visit RestoreFloridaBay.org.
Downloadable Photo: Audubon's Dr. Jerry Lorenz with staff from Audubon's Everglades Science Center at Tavernier and World Wide Sportsman