The state of Florida is home to a great diversity of wildlife. The variety of plants and animals that call Florida their native range are significant to the overall health of the specific environment they reside. Every species (native) plays a significant ecological role.

Unfortunately Florida is also now home to many non-native species (aka invasive species). The list of nonnative plants and animals found in the state of Florida a long one. These invasive life forms tend negatively disrupt the ecology of the Florida habitats in which they are found, often causing significant problems.

Of course, one of the invasive species causing havoc is the Lionfish. TISIRI’s Joe Kistel discusses the issue and what is being done to combat it in the First Coast News segment featured.

See the full report at First Coast News by clicking on the image below.

“Species” broadcast on NBC and ABC Stations is a post from: TISIRI

Earth Day events for 2013 were held at the Jacksonville Landing and although the weather was cold and dreary there was a great turnout. TISIRI was invited to participate in the festivities and to receive a grant sponsored by Vistakon through Earth Day Jacksonville. The grant is to support TISIRI’s children’s book project currently in the works. The book follows the story of a ship that becomes an artificial reef and we at TISIRI are very excited about it. It allows us to better reach out to children about the significance of marine habitats while telling a truly engaging and visual story. Keep an eye for the book in the fall.

Above: TISIRI’s Joe Kistel, Earth Day’s Lucy Cortese, and Vistakon’s Chris Bradley

TISIRI Awarded Earth Day Vistakon Grant is a post from: TISIRI

Here is Erica Bennett’s story:

Northeast Florida Lionfish Tournament Underway is a post from: TISIRI

TISIRI’s Joe Kistel and Ed Kalalkauskis had the opportunity to meet and discuss the efforts with expedition leader Chris Fischer and Capt Brett McBride. Joe and Ed provided some insights of the local reefs the MV Ocearch may visit in hopes of finding a white shark.

TISIRI would like to wish the best of Luck to the crew and researchers aboard the MV Ocearch.

Ocearch Great White Offshore Jacksonville Expedition is a post from: TISIRI

TISIRI’s Joe Kistel introduced each showing of “The Last Reef” providing insight to local marine conservation efforts here in north Florida. See a condensed version of Kistel’s IMAX presentation below. Keep an eye out for the GIANT IMAX triggerfish.

Jacksonville University students and Dr. Quinton White discussed local marine efforts with IMAX patrons and Action News reporter Amanda Warford. See pictures of the event below..

It was a great event and we were happy to participate. We hope to have future events at the IMAX World Gulf Village facility. A big thanks to Arthur Crofton of Lite 96.1 WEJZ (Renda Broadcasting) for the introductions.

“The Last Reef” IMAX Event is a post from: TISIRI