Key West, FL – U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) will receive the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Stewardship Award during a gala tribute to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. World renowned marine life photographer and NMSF Trustee Bob Talbot will serve as keynote speaker during the awards dinner on November 12th. In addition, the evening will kick off a regional public service announcement campaign featuring the new Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center’s Sea Star campaign.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is being honored with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) Stewardship Award for her leadership on oceans issues, particularly her support of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Through her leadership, the Florida Keys have received more than $35 million in federal funding, including $5 million for the Florida Keys Wastewater Quality Program to ensure that the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary stay healthy, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of this region. For the past two years, she has helped NMSF gain support for the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.

“I am delighted to have been selected as recipient of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Stewardship Award,” said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “Since elected as Representative of the Florida Keys in 2002, I have worked tirelessly to secure federal funding for Keys water quality improvements, so that the waters of the Keys National Marine Sanctuary can be enjoyed by future generations of South Floridians and visitors.”

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary supports one of the most diverse collections of underwater plants and animals and the reef track is the most extensive living coral reef system in North America. Although best known for its coral reefs, the shallow nearshore waters contain interdependent marine habitats that include fringing mangroves, seagrass, meadows, hardbottom regions, as well as patch and bank reefs. This complex marine ecosystem is the foundation for the tourism and commercial fishing-based economies that are so important to Florida.

In the 15 years since the Florida Keys were designated as a national marine sanctuary, there have been fewer major shipwreck groundings. Other notable accomplishments include implementing the first water quality protection program within a sanctuary, creating science and educations programs, and enacting a comprehensive marine zoning plan.

“There are many reasons to celebrate during this 15th anniversary year, but we still need to be vigilant about the challenges still faced by North America’s only living barrier coral,” said Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Billy Causey. “We are grateful to the community for their support, which has only grown over time. We know that together we know we will work to mitigate these challenges and have even more cause for celebration in the future.”

In fall 2006, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will open the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center on NOAA property at the Truman Annex in Key West. The Center will feature 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits depicting the underwater and upland habitats of the Florida Keys and surrounding ecosystem. This Center will be free-of-charge for visitors and residents of the Florida Keys and will focus on the Keys ecosystem, human interaction with the environment, and the maritime culture and history of the area.

In conjunction with the anniversary, a new PSA campaign is being launched and is designed to create public awareness about the Center and its importance as an education resource to residents and visitors of the Florida Keys. In addition, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is launching the Sea Star Campaign to raise private sector funds for the facility’s state-of-the art exhibits. By purchasing a Sea Star, which will be imbedded in the discovery center’s walkway, supporters receive permanent recognition of their commitment to preserve the unique and fragile marine habitats of South Florida.

The Florida Keys 15th Anniversary Awards Dinner will be held at the historic Casa Antigua in Key West. The gala tribute dinner will be from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Historic Casa Antigua in Key West, FL and is hosted by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. NMSF Trustee Bob Talbot will provide the keynote address during this special evening, which will include a retrospective about the sanctuary and an update on the Sea Star Campaign for the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. The event is being sponsored by the Mystic Aquarium and Institute For Exploration: Immersion Presents.

"We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the history of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” said NMSF Executive Director Lori Arguelles. "Tonight, we recognize the accomplishments of the sanctuary, and acknowledge those who have contributed to its success along the way.”