Land, Water, Wildlife: The Importance of Conservation to the Future of SWFL

This presentation will focus on the importance of habitat, water quality, and healthy fish and wildlife populations and how they contribute to our tourism-based economy in SWFL. These areas are under constant threat from development, habitat loss, and recent storm events. We will discuss some of SCCF's initiatives, our successes, and threats, and offer solutions to protecting and preserving our coastal ecosystems.

James oversees operations and is responsible for carrying out SCCF’s mission to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. He has more than 25 years of experience working in South Florida ecosystems with expertise in water quality, environmental policy, marine biology, estuarine ecology, and environmental restoration. James holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is the recipient of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2022 and was recently named Gulfshore Life's Man of Year in 2024 for his work on conservation, water quality and coastal resilience.

Host or Publisher Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife