Space Coast Surfriders Foundation
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: Tiny Turtle
1. Call to Order
Board Chair Nina Hunt called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Icebreaker
Attendees paired up and shared their favorite ice cream flavor as a lighthearted way to kick off the meeting and connect with fellow members.
3. Guest Speaker Presentation
Speaker: Marina Owens, Biological Scientist IV
Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Marina Owens joined the chapter to discuss the work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its Division of Marine Fisheries Management. The Division is responsible for helping conserve and sustainably manage Florida's marine fisheries while balancing the needs of Florida's recreational and commercial fishing communities.
Florida Marine Fisheries Management
- The Division develops science-informed management and regulatory recommendations designed to support the long-term conservation of Florida's marine fisheries.
- FWC works closely with recreational and commercial anglers, scientists, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to better understand the health and use of Florida's fisheries.
- The Division also represents Florida and coordinates with federal and regional fisheries agencies, including the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
Conservation & Sustainable Fishing
FWC's marine fisheries programs work to balance public access to Florida's fisheries with the long-term health of fish populations and marine ecosystems. Management efforts can include fishing seasons, size and bag limits, species-specific regulations, habitat considerations, and other conservation measures.
FWC also emphasizes responsible angling practices, including:
- Proper catch-and-release techniques to improve fish survival.
- Protecting seagrass beds and other essential marine habitats.
- Preventing fishing line, plastics, and other debris from entering waterways.
- Educating anglers on fishing regulations and commonly encountered marine species.
- Encouraging anglers to participate in fisheries conservation and data-collection efforts.
Outreach & Community Engagement
Education and public participation are important components of FWC's marine fisheries work. Programs include saltwater fishing clinics, angler outreach, fisheries education, the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program, and recognition programs such as Catch a Florida Memory.
FWC also uses public workshops and stakeholder feedback to help inform potential fisheries management and rulemaking decisions.
The presentation provided members with greater insight into the work occurring behind the scenes to protect Florida's marine resources and the important role that anglers, coastal communities, conservation organizations, and individual residents can play in maintaining healthy fisheries for future generations.
4. Chapter & Program Updates
Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) – Joanie
- Joanie provided an update on the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program and ongoing efforts to expand participation among restaurants throughout the Space Coast.
Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) – Bill
- Bill shared updates on the Ocean Friendly Gardens program.
- The chapter is planning another weeding event in October to maintain existing native gardens and bioswales.
- A potential new Ocean Friendly Garden is also being explored, with additional information to come.
Beach Guardians – Janita
- Janita provided an update on the developing Beach Guardian program and efforts to increase ongoing stewardship of local beaches.
Chapter Shoutouts
Special recognition was given to several volunteers for their continued contributions:
- Alexis: Social media and chapter awareness.
- Janita & Chris: Continued leadership and support at beach cleanups.
- Janita & Giulia: Work supporting the Beach Guardian program.
- Dominic: Photography and documenting chapter events.
5. Upcoming Events
- July 25 – A1A Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup
- Spessard Holland South Beach Park
- 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- August 19 – General Meeting
- Intracoastal Brewing Company
- 6:30 – 8:00 PM
- Guest Speaker: Alligator Rob
- August 29 – Beach Cleanup + Member Surf Day
- Pelican Beach
- 8:30 – 10:30 AM
6. Open Positions
The chapter continues to recruit volunteers for several leadership positions:
- Vice Chair
- Ocean-Friendly Restaurants (OFR) Co-Chair / Support Lead (10–15 hrs/month)
- Fundraising Chair (10–15+ hrs/month)
Ocean-Friendly Restaurants Co-Chair / Support Lead
The OFR Co-Chair will help grow the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program across the Space Coast by supporting restaurant outreach, promotion, and community engagement. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting restaurant outreach and education to increase OFR participation.
- Coordinating promotional opportunities for newly certified restaurants, including local media and PR.
- Supporting news segments and ribbon-cutting events.
- Representing OFR at board meetings and chapter events.
- Developing new strategies to increase awareness and participation.
Fundraising Chair
The Fundraising Chair will take a relationship-driven approach to generating financial support for the chapter. Responsibilities include:
- Building partnerships with local businesses and corporate sponsors.
- Leading fundraising strategy and donor development.
- Identifying and pursuing grant opportunities.
- Coordinating sponsorships and private beach cleanups with community partners.
- Participating in board meetings and supporting chapter events.
Both positions are unpaid volunteer opportunities ideal for individuals passionate about ocean conservation, community engagement, and expanding Surfrider's impact across the Space Coast.
7. Closing Remarks
Nina Hunt thanked everyone for attending and for their continued involvement with the chapter. Special thanks were extended to Tiny Turtle for hosting the meeting. Attendees were encouraged to tip their servers generously, stay afterward to socialize, and connect with chapter leaders about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 PM
Minutes prepared by:
Brendon Miller
Board Secretary