Final Grant Report to Ocean Reef Conservation Association for Establishment of the Guide Rapid Response Program

Project Summary

Thanks to the generous support from the Ocean Reef Conservation Association, the Key West & Lower Keys Fishing Guides Association (dba Lower Keys Guides Association or LKGA) successfully launched and implemented the LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network. This initiative was designed to support scientific research, conservation efforts, and emergency environmental response in the Florida Keys by engaging local fishing guides in sample collection, data gathering, and other fieldwork.

Background & Need for the LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network

The development of the LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network was driven by a critical ecological disturbance—a spinning fish event that raised significant concerns among the scientific and fishing communities. Reports of fish exhibiting abnormal spinning behavior prompted urgent scientific investigations to identify potential causes. Researchers hypothesize that extreme heat conditions, combined with increased stressors from human activities, may have contributed to an increase in toxic benthic dinoflagellates, leading to these behavioral abnormalities. While the frequency of these spinning events has decreased with rising temperatures in the summer months, it remains uncertain whether this is an isolated occurrence or part of a recurring environmental issue.

Given the unpredictability of such ecological stressors, the need for a rapid, guide-led response system became evident. The LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network was created to ensure that scientists, conservationists, and policymakers have immediate access to real-time data and sample collection, facilitated by knowledgeable local fishing guides. This program has set a precedent for guide-led scientific response networks and has been shared with similar organizations in Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Montana.

Key Accomplishments

• Guide Engagement: Over 30 fishing guides and captains from both the Upper and Lower Florida Keys have opted-in to be part of the Rapid Response Network, providing on-the-water support for scientific and conservation initiatives in real time.
• Scientific Contributions: LKGA captains dedicated a total of 127 hours to scientific efforts, including sample collection, monitoring activities, and emergency response efforts.
• Sample Storage Infrastructure: Five sample storage locations from Key West to Key Largo were established and equipped with refrigerator/freezer combinations, making them accessible to any organization needing temporary storage for scientific samples prior to shipping and processing.
• Knowledge Sharing & Industry Impact: The LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network is the first-of-its-kind program and has been shared with multiple guide-based organizations in Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Montana. The ability to create and execute this network has allowed LKGA to share best practices and continue to serve as the first point of connection for ecosystem changes, strengthening the role of fishing guides as environmental stewards.

Sample Storage Locations

The following locations now serve as designated scientific sample drop-off sites with labeling applications and storage of samples until shipment directly because of funding from this grant:

1. Key West: Ocean’s Edge Marina (inside the barn) – 5950 Peninsular Ave, Key West, FL 33040
2. Lower Keys: Cudjoe Gardens Marina (non-launch side of the building) – 477 Drost Dr., Cudjoe Key, FL 33042
3. Marathon: Seven Mile Fly Shop (freezer only, outside of building) – 1638 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
4. Islamorada: Safe Harbor Angler House Marina – 80500 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
5. Key Largo: Florida Bay Outfitters – 140050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

All these locations are donating space and electrical needs for the storage of these refrigerator/freezer combos, and ORCA is acknowledged for the contribution on the signage at each location.

Additional Equipment Acquired

To further support rapid response and scientific sampling efforts, the grant allowed for the acquisition of key equipment, including:

• Long nets for sample retrieval and environmental response
• Gaffs for safe handling of specimens
• Headlamps and spotlights for nighttime and low-visibility operations
• Labeling and shipping supplies to ensure proper sample documentation and transport

This equipment is stored and maintained by LKGA and made available to any organization on loan.

Impact & Future Plans

The LKGA Guide Rapid Response Network has significantly enhanced the ability of local fishing guides to assist in scientific research and conservation efforts in real time for ecological disturbances and concerning trends. By establishing a structured network and equipping key locations with necessary infrastructure, we have created a sustainable resource for ongoing and future research initiatives that multiple institutions, academic and scientific organizations, and even state and federal agencies can utilize. Moving forward, LKGA will continue to expand guide participation, strengthen partnerships with research institutions, and seek additional funding to further enhance rapid response capabilities. The network’s ability to respond to unexpected ecological disturbances ensures that LKGA remains a vital contributor to the long-term health and resilience of the Florida Keys ecosystem.

Acknowledgment

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ocean Reef Conservation Association for their generous support in making this initiative possible. Their investment in conservation and scientific research has played a crucial role in improving environmental stewardship in the Florida Keys. We are including a burgee with the LKGA Rapid Response Network logo to ORCA as a symbol of our appreciation of your support. We will continue to acknowledge ORCA in all communications (to the best of our ability) as the driving force behind our ability to mobilize and create this network, as well as the success and impact it has had in strengthening the relationship between the guiding and scientific communities.

We look forward to continued collaboration to protect and preserve our unique marine ecosystem