Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism and The Island Resort are set to launch a new seminar series called “Conservation Conversations” on Thursday, April 25, 2024. 

• The monthly event will focus on various conservation topics and feature presentations by special guests, including researchers and experts in the field, specifically those conducting research in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

The inaugural event will center on sea turtles and will be led by Jessica Valek, Coastal Resources Coordinator at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism, along with a team of researchers from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Valek has been working with the USGS team for several years, actively participating in their efforts to catch and tag sea turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

“Conservation Conversations is going to be a series of presentations on the tagging research happening right here in Destin-Fort Walton Beach,” Valek explained in an interview. “After our highly successful event on Devil Rays last October, we wanted to make this a regular series and feature more of our research partners and showcase their ongoing work.”

Back in February, the Okaloosa Coastal Resources Team held a marine biology tagging workshop at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center focused on gathering information on the migratory patterns of various species found in the region.

• The three-hour workshop included 15-20 minute presentations from about a dozen national experts on current research initiatives involving acoustic telemetry and satellite tracking technology to study the seasonal movements of sea turtles, sharks, game fish and other marine life.

The workshop provided a unique opportunity for researchers to share findings, leverage existing infrastructure and strengthen collaborative efforts moving forward. One of the takeaways was that the public has a strong interest in this work and would benefit from specific presentations on each of the projects. The Coastal Resources Team now plans to bring some of those same experts back for more public presentations.

The event will be held at The Island Resort, located at 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE on Okaloosa Island. From 4:00 to 6:00 PM, attendees can enjoy happy hour specials on food and cocktails. 

• A social half-hour will follow from 5:30 to 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity for guests to mingle and view display items such as tag examples and informational signage. The main presentation will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.

During the presentation, Valek will briefly discuss sea turtle nesting, as the event coincides with the start of the nesting season on May 1. The USGS team will then take the floor to share their research, including videos showcasing the process of catching and tagging sea turtles.

While the entire schedule for the “Conservation Conversations” series has not been finalized, future topics may include whale sharks, tiger sharks, tuna, tarpon, and artificial reefs. The series is expected to continue through November, with specific dates and topics to be announced closer to each event.

“The work that USGS is doing is really impressive and they work with the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center as well by providing them with tags,” added Valek. “When the Gulfarium releases rehabilitated sea turtles, they all get tagged and it helps with the ongoing research. We can’t wait for this first event to learn all about sea turtle conservation and research efforts in Destin- Fort Walton Beach.”

Attendance is free, and no registration is required. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the food and drink specials offered by The Island Resort.