INTRODUCTIONS & DESIRED OUTCOMES - Billy Causey

• Desired outcome is to bring agencies' interests and trusteeship for the waters of the Tortugas to the table and to integrate the interests and concerns of user groups and the public through the Working Group (WG);
• Sanctuary Advisory Council Subcommittee members should represent the constituents they represent on the Advisory Council;
• FKNMS is initiating the process to establish an Ecological Reserve in the western part of the sanctuary, possibly to include a portion of Dry Tortugas National Park (DTNP);
• No boundary lines are to be drawn and no percentages of area will be discussed until later in the process;
• Process will involve the public every step of the way;
• The Working Group's recommendations will be provided to the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission (FMFC) and Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC);
• Any recommendations must acknowledge the jurisdictions and shared authorities of each agency;
• Staff from FKNMS met with the Superintendent and staff from Everglades National Park, which oversees Dry Tortugas National Park, on Monday (4/13/98) - The National Park Service has separate jurisdiction over the area within DTNP;
• Michael Eng, who has been asked to facilitate this first meeting of the Working Group, is a former site manager for DTNP. He also represented the National Park Service during the early process of developing the Draft Management Plan for the Sanctuary. He now works for the NOAA Coastal Services Center, in Charleston, SC. Among other services, the Center provides neutral facilitation services to the coastal management community.

INTRODUCTION - Michael Eng

• Asked by FKNMS to serve as facilitator for the Working Group's initial meeting. He indicated that a condition of his involvement is that he would be serving in a neutral capacity and would not be advocating for the interests of the Sanctuary or any other agency or group. Rather, he would focus exclusively on the process aspects of the meetings, for which he would be accountable to the entire group.

INTRODUCTIONS OF WORKING GROUP MEMBERS

• Don DeMaria: Commercial fishing/spearfisherman; constituents he represents include tropical fish collectors and spearfishers. Principal concern of his constituents is that they will lose area where they can conduct their fishing activities.
• Tony Iarocci: Commercial fishing/Organized Fishermen of Florida (OFF)/Monroe County Commercial Fisherman (MCCF); will want to address the concerns of local fishermen and the potential socioeconomic impacts; interested in working together to put the Ecological Reserve in the right place and to make it work.
• Andy Griffiths: Represents the charter boat industry; one of his concerns is whether fishing on the lee side of islands during high winds will be restricted.
• Fran Decker: Represents citizen- at- large; she wants to find the correct balance between resource protection and impacts to user groups.
• Dave Holtz: Works for the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) and represents environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs); he wants to ensure that the livelihoods of fishermen are sustained.
• Debbie Harrison: Works for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and also represents environmental NGOs; she emphasizes that the Keys are of international concern; she is seeking to promote both environmental and economic sustainability.
• Ed Conklin: Head of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) Division of Marine Resources; the area being considered is mainly in State waters, the Governor and Cabinet are interested in the protection and appropriate use of this area. The State will have to approve the Ecological Reserve if it falls in State waters. If the Working Group process is successful , the State will likely adopt its recommendations.
• Bob Woodward: Member of the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission (FMFC); here to help FMFC understand and be kept informed about the process to establish an Ecological Reserve; FMFC is concerned about the sustainable management of the region's fisheries resources.
• Russ Nelson: Executive Director of FMFC; interested in the potential use of Ecological Reserves as a fisheries management tool in helping to replenish over-harvested stocks; he is also interested in determining the appropriate size for a replenishment zone to be successful.
• Joe Kimmel: Director of the Fisheries Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) office in St. Petersburg; NMFS supports the concept of marine reserves.
• Erich Mueller: Director of the Mote Marine Laboratory Pigeon Key Research Center; indicated that research interests in the Dry Tortugas are high and increasing; Ecological Reserve may serve as a reference site for monitoring and evaluation of biological phenomenon.
• Robert Brock: representing the National Park Service (NPS) as Director of Marine Science for Everglades & Dry Tortugas NP; indicated that NPS has different mandates than the National Marine Sanctuary Program, as well as different governing legislation. His job in this process is to make recommendations to the Superintendent based on sound science.
• Michael Weiss: NOAA Office of General Counsel; here to serve as a resource to the group and to answer questions about legal aspects of establishing an Ecological Reserve.
• Ben Haskell: FKNMS Science Coordinator; responsibility to bring sound science to this process and to coordinate bringing the appropriate State and Federal entities to the table. He requested that the Working Group members attend the forum tonight and tomorrow night.
• Nick Funicelli: United States Geological Service's Florida and Caribbean Science Center; has research interest in Dry Tortugas as well as in resource inventory and monitoring in Dry Tortugas. Has done research on marine reserves.
• Jim Bohnsack: Senior Fish Ecologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service's Southeast Fisheries Science Center; interest and focus is on marine reserves and fisheries enhancement.
• Billy Causey: FKNMS Superintendent; one of the National Marine Sanctuary Program's mandate is to protect marine biodiversity.
• LTJG John DeBok: United States Coast Guard (USCG); involved in enforcement at Dry Tortugas area.
• Pete Moffitt: Member of the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) Chair of Marine Reserve Committee; SAFMC is looking at marine reserves as an alternative tool for fisheries management; wants to learn about ecological reserves during this process.
• Joanne Delaney: FKNMS Research Interpreter; will provide logistical support for this process.

QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING GROUP'S PURPOSE, DESIRED OUTCOMES, OR PROCESS - discussion

1. 1. How is this Working Group process related to the process for developing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)?
   • Forum is designed for us to learn more about the affected environment, which is part of the public process. The Working Group will assist in the development of recommended criteria for selecting the area and boundaries of the proposed Ecological Reserve. The Working Group will also identify gaps in information;
   • Forum in June will be on socioeconomic impacts, using a similar format;
   • These two pieces will provide information toward developing criteria;
   • Will be an adaptive approach, using the best available information.
2. 2. Will a printed copy of the Desired Outcomes be received?
   • This will be developed by the Working Group. 3. How will the public be engaged?
   • This is up to the individual constituent representatives on the Working Group: input from the public should be brought to the table through representatives; Working Group members should be meeting with their constituencies and bringing their input to the Working Group;
   • The public is encouraged to attend the Working Group and Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings.

CRITERIA USED IN SELECTION OF THE WORKING GROUP MEMBERS

• Sanctuary Advisory Council established a subcommittee to participate on the Working Group;
• Agencies represented were chosen based on their management jurisdiction;
• Each agency selected its own representative to sit on the Working Group.

ARE ALL NEEDED USER GROUPS REPRESENTED AT THE WG TABLE? - discussion

1. Spanish-speaking fishermen from Key West area are not represented.
   • There are fishermen we've tried to bring into this; it is important to get involvement of some of these people. MCCF has sent out information on meetings;
   • Richard Diaz is a local fisherman who fishes the Tortugas area;
   • John Sanchez is an alternate; we want people who know the fishery; (J. Sanchez is not a Keys resident).
2. Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council (GOMFMC) cannot be here due to budget constraints; may have overlooked using a council member; the GOMFMC has a marine reserves committee.
3. Vicki Weeks or Sheri Appelt will represent the dive industry.
4. Audubon Society/birding-public's input may have marine life interests; this is not an identifiable group and may be difficult to bring in.
5. Commercial shrimpers are represented through MCCF.
6. Sheri Appelt could help represent the business community; seaplane operators, tourist interests need to be addressed through the National Park Service (potential contact through commercial use permittees).

ACTION ITEMS:

• MCCF will be making contact with groups that fish the Dry Tortugas area, including Hispanic fishers; Hispanic fisher representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting;
• GOMFMC representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting;
• Dive industry representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting through Vicki Weeks;
• Recreational fisher representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting through Ted Forsgren, Executive Director of the Coastal Conservation Association;
• Ben will add National Park Service permittees holding commercial use and research permits to the Tortugas 2000 mailing list.

WORKING GROUP COMPOSITION & PROCESS - general discussion

• Forming support/advisory groups within each constituency is a good idea;
• The Sanctuary Advisory Council was established to advise the FKNMS;
• Sanctuary Advisory Council is comprised of Monroe County residents, which was decided by the co-Trustees of the FKNMS;
• This Working Group is not a decision-making body; the rest of the Sanctuary Advisory Council has a voice in this decision. There will be additional opportunities for public input throughout the process;
• The Working Group is an ad-hoc group, not a Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) advisory group that needs to be approved by the Secretary of Commerce. This group will not give consensus advice to NOAA, rather they will provide recommendations to the SAC and FMFC;
• The Governor of Florida, the Cabinet, and the FMFC will ultimately need to sign off on the Ecological Reserve. They will want their constituents to be represented, including recreational fishers;
• We have flexibility in who we add to this group;
• A recreational fisher should be added to the Working Group since they are a strong, politically well-organized group.

WORKING GROUP GROUND RULES - discussion

I. PURPOSE OF THE WORKING GROUP

• Develop recommendations on criteria for a Tortugas Ecological Reserve; incorporating factors such as circulation patterns, spawning areas, areas of high diversity, areas of high or low impact.

II. PARTICIPATION

• Working Group members may choose alternates to represent their constituency; SAC members may use their official SAC alternates;
• Composition of Working Group: will add GMFMC, recreational fisher, and Hispanic-speaking member;
• Observers are welcome; all Working Group meetings will be advertised.

III. ROLES ~ CHAIR

• Ed Conklin and Billy Causey were suggested to serve as co-chairs; NOTE: if Billy and Ed become the co-chairs, their role should be limited to technical advice and assistance. They will not substantially participate in Working Group meetings;
• Co-chairs will:
  • Represent the Working Group to the general public and outside groups;
  • Be media point of contact;
  • Develop meeting agendas;
  • Lay out constraints and requirements;
  • Keep Working Group members accountable for agreed upon tasks and deadlines;
  • Support efforts of the facilitator.

IV. ROLES ~ WORKING GROUP MEMBERS will:

• Actively participate in discussions;
• Keep facilitator neutral;
• Ensure accurate recording;
• Assume shared responsibility for the process and the outcome of the Working Group's efforts;
• Focus their energy on joint task of the Working Group;
• Concentrate on the content of discussions; allow the facilitator to focus on the process aspects;
• Offer respect and attention when others speak; refrain from distracting others through side conversations;
• Keep a common focus on the task at hand;
• Keep their constituency informed;
• Express personal views to others outside the process without characterizing the views of others;
• Represent their constituency when possible (agency representatives may not have authority to speak on behalf of their agency without approval).

V. ROLES ~ FACILITATOR will:

• Remain neutral and serve the group impartially;
• Be accountable to the entire Working Group;
• Not advocate for any agency's or participant's point of view on substantive issues; · Help the group focus on their common task;
• Help the group clarify information and achieve a common understanding;
• Help create a safe environment for discussion and dialogue;
• Protect people and their ideas from attack;
• Help channel strong emotions into productive discussion;
• Help ensure that all points of view are expressed and understood;
• Help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in discussions;
• Clarify areas of agreement and disagreement;
• Suggest processes and procedures for accomplishing tasks;
• Help group reach agreement or compromise, if appropriate;
• Ensure that all important decisions are recorded.

VI. ROLES ~ RECORDER will:

• Remain neutral;
• Capture basic ideas;
• Use the speakers words
• Keep track of group memory;
• Provide a written summary.

VII. DECISION-MAKING

• Goal is to reach mutual agreements through a collective and collaborative decision-making process;
• Working Group members will provide their input based on their expertise, knowledge, and experience;
• Working Group will work to prepare recommendations to the Sanctuary Advisory Council and FMFC regarding the Tortugas Ecological Reserve;
• All disagreements will be worked through before action is taken;
• Those who disagree with the rest of the group may be asked to explain how they would be negatively affected and to offer an alternative solution that addresses their concerns as well as those of the other members of the Working Group; if someone disagrees with the group, but their constituency will not be directly affected, may be asked if they can live with the group's decision;
  • Disagreements should be voiced; in the event of disagreements: If a Working Group member cannot abide by the consensus of the rest of the group, they have the option to withdraw;
  • Through a facilitated discussion, the group will decide whether to move forward or to continue work on developing additional options;
  • Working Group may decide to develop several alternatives covering the range of perspectives;
  • Areas of agreement and disagreement will be documented for consideration in subsequent decision-making processes.

VIII. PRODUCT OF THE WORKING GROUP'S EFFORTS

• Develop recommendation to the Sanctuary Advisory Council and the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission regarding a Tortugas Ecological Reserve

IX. FACILITATION

• The Working Group may replace the facilitator if the services provided are unsatisfactory.

REVIEW OF MARINE ZONING - Billy Causey

• International history of implementation;
• US Congress put into FKNMSPA for the FKNMS to consider marine zoning; Interagency Core Group process for Draft Management Plan;
• SAC wrote 100% of Draft Zoning Plan;
• Five types of zones in the FKNMS:
  • Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): 27 total; 5 are no-access;
  • Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs): 18 total; no-take; range from Sand Key to Carysfort Reef;
  • Special Use Areas (SUAs): 4 total; research-only, permitted access;
  • Existing Management Areas: examples include Looe Key NMS, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, all the Aquatic Preserves;
  • Ecological Reserve (ER): 1 total; Western Sambos; 9 nm2;
• Working to conclude Zoning Plan with establishment of an Ecological Reserve in the Tortugas area.

FKNMS ZONE RESEARCH AND MONITORING - Ben Haskell

• Purpose of zones is to protect marine biodiversity and reduce user conflicts;
• Five year re-evaluation of performance of zones will occur;
• Implemented a monitoring program to detect fish, seagrass, algal community changes as well as changes in economic and aesthetic values;
• Three-level monitoring program and several special programs;
• Forum tonight will begin ecological characterization of Tortugas area.

SUMMARY OF ACTION ITEMS day 1:

• MCCF is establishing an advisory group of members who fish the Dry Tortugas area, including Hispanic fishers; Hispanic fisher representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting;
• GMFMC representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting;
• Dive industry representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting through Vicki Weeks;
• Recreational fisher representation will be added for the next Working Group meeting through Ted Forsgren, Executive Director of the Coastal Conservation Association;
• Ben will add National Park Service permittees holding commercial use and research permits to the Tortugas 2000 mailing list.