Stephanie Stinson is the Fishing, Diving, and Other Uses Coordinator for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), which manages Florida’s newest aquatic preserve, Kristin Jacobs Coral Aquatic Preserve (KJCAP). In this role, Stephanie serves as a stakeholder liaison for reef resource users, actively promoting partnerships and conducting outreach to increase public knowledge about KJCAP. She also advances CRCP’s work via the development of management strategies, creation of GIS map products and assisting with coral monitoring fieldwork. She earned her master’s degree in marine and environmental affairs from the University of Washington in Seattle. A South Florida native who served twice in the Peace Corps, Stephanie is in her element working at the nexus of marine science and social science. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, making music and running, having just completed her first marathon earlier this year as part of Team Fox Endurance.
Robin Sarabia works for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the Aquatic Preserves Manager for the Florida Keys. In 2012, she graduated from F.I.U. with her M.S., studying how the presence of large predators can influence an ecosystem from the top down. After a few years working in the Long Island Sound watershed, she returned to South Florida and has spent the last decade as a resident of Big Pine Key. As the Aquatic Preserves Manager for the Florida Keys, Robin leads a team working to protect and restore fragile marine habitats, engage and educate local communities and provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the State’s natural resources. She lives in Big Pine Key with her husband, 1-year old and a continually growing menagerie of animal friends.
REEF Fish & Friends is a free, monthly seminar series that features engaging ocean-themed presentations from guest speakers. Snorkelers, divers, and marine life enthusiasts are invited to join informal discussions and mingle with members of our friendly, ocean-minded community. Complimentary light refreshments are provided. The evening kicks off with a social from 6:15-7pm, followed by a presentation from 7-8pm. Seminars are also live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.