The Marine Resources Council is You

For over 25 years, the Marine Resources Council (MRC) has focused on major issues involving the Indian River Lagoon including: flow from land drainage and its negative impact on estuarine productivity; loss of seagrasses and mangroves; coordinating local, state, or federal programs for the lagoon; and the need for public education to incorporate science into decision-making.

Today, plans for use of the Indian River Lagoon resources are incorporated into the 6 counties' and 33 cities' comprehensive plans, in addition to state management policy. The state legislature now regularly addresses lagoon issues and has dedicated funding to the Lagoon. Also, through the direct efforts of the MRC, the Indian River Lagoon received national recognition in 1990 as a National Estuary of Significance by the EPA.

People like you that care about the beauty of our Indian River Lagoon and want to help improve the quality of its ecosystems are the heart of the MRC.

We are organized as a Board of Directors and a staff who coordinate community efforts and educate the public about each of our major programs.

We are supported by our membership as well as many volunteers and friends not listed here. Leveraging the energy and resources of hundreds of volunteers in cooperation with other agencies is key to our efforts.

We are grateful for your ongoing help, support, ideas, and enthusiasm.

MRC Board of Directors: Board Members: Board Members: Advisory Board Members:
Chairman: Mary Chapman Janet Bonder Phyllis Woodford
Walter O. Stieglitz Gilbert Kennedy Frank Wegel Jim Swann
Secretary: Ingrid K. Matta Jim Moir Dr. Duane DeFreese
Steve Chalmers Kenneth Tworoger Dave Botto Dr. George Maul
Treasurer: Maureen Rupe Charles Grande
Charles Grande
Stephen Goff Sandy Sanderson Wesley Davis Dr. Ken Kasweck
Executive Director: Dr. Richard Baker Sarah Heard Dr. Grant Gilmore
Jim Egan Ian Pollack Andrew Brady

John F. Patteson
Marge Ketter
Capt. Rodney Smith George Jones
Thomas P. Bausch Patrick Hayes
John Mark Tripson
Dr. Fielding E. Cooley
John Whitescarver Steve Kintner
Dr. Ken Lindeman Brian T. Carman


Staff

Jim Egan,
Executive Director

Kerry Soltis,
Coordinator,
Indian River Lagoon Watch

Julie Albert,
Coordinator,
Northern Right Whale Sighting Network



Herman Jex Jr.,
Coordinator,
Brevard County Shoreline Restoration
Casey Hederman

Capt. Ralph Hollis,
Coordinator,
Boaters for a Healthy Lagoon




© 2008 Marine Resources Council of East Florida