FKCC Marine Science Professor Appointed to Federal Advisory Committee

FKCC Marine Science Professor Appointed to Federal Advisory Committee

KEY WEST, FL, January 24, 2017— Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) Marine Science Professor, Dr. Alex Brylske, has been appointed to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Protected Area (MPA) Federal Advisory Committee.  The Committee advises NOAA and the Department of the Interior on ways to strengthen the nation’s system of MPAs. It includes representatives of diverse stakeholder groups, including scientists, academia, commercial fishermen, anglers, divers, state and tribal resource managers, the energy and tourism industries, and environmentalists, among others.  During his four year term, Dr. Brylske will represent the non-consumption user sector, which includes but not limited to recreational scuba divers. 

“I’m honored to have been selected by the Under Secretary,” said Dr. Brylske of his appointment by Dr. Kathryn Sullivan of NOAA.  “I pledge to represent vigorously the interests of non-consumptive tourism to support responsible and sustainable use of our nation’s marine resources.  Furthermore, I invite input from snorkelers, divers, boaters, paddlers or anyone else who enjoys ocean recreation, and wants to insure that the places we love are preserved for future generations.”

Brylske has been a Professor of Marine Science & Technology at the College since 2009, where he teaches courses in coral reef science, resource management, sustainable tourism, and underwater research methods. He is no stranger to the arena of marine policy.  From 1997 to 1998, he served on the Florida Governor’s Ocean Committee, and from 2009 to 2015, on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC).  Brylske is a past recipient of NOAA’s Walter B. Jones Memorial Excellence Award for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management.  As the Senior Editor of Dive Training magazine and the author of The PADI Divemaster Manual and The Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, Brylske is also an established voice in the realm of diving.

You can contact Dr. Brylske for more information, or to provide input for the FAC, at [email protected].

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