Wednesday, Pier 60 in Clearwater became the 24th Florida addition to the Responsible Pier Initiative.

The First Responder workshop was hosted by the newest RPI partners at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  Staff members and volunteers were eager to have the signs and net in place on the pier as nesting season on their beaches begins today, May 1.  Clearwater Marine Aquarium patrols a 26-mile stretch of beach throughout Pinellas County, home mainly, to nesting loggerhead sea turtles.

After the presentation, the entire workshop traveled together to the pier to speak with fishermen and help hang the signs depicting steps for what to do if a sea turtle is accidentally hooked or entangled from the pier.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff are working to install monofilament recycling tubes and coordinate underwater cleanups at Pier 60 as well.  We are very excited to begin working with such a dedicated, enthusiastic team of people and look forward to collaborating on further RPI projects!