FWC reopens Everglades
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued an order reopening the Everglades and the Francis S. Taylor, Holey Lank and Rotenberger wildlife management areas to duck hunters and froggers. Taking other game continues to be prohibited.
The order took effect last Friday and also prohibits vehicle and airboat use and other public access. The order is necessary because of high water levels that have jeopardized wildlife, particularly deer.
To report a violation of this order, any wildlife law violations or a boating emergency, call the toll-free Wildlife Alert number at 888-404-3922.
Architect to lecture at UM
Renowned Colombian architect Giancarlo Mazzanti, one of the world’s leading experts on urban design, is coming to the University of Miami this Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Mazzanti has completed projects such as the architectural and landscape design of the district educational institutions in Bogota in 2004. He also designed the prototype pedestrian bridge of Santa Fe de Bogota in 2000. One of his most famous works is the Biblioteca Espana in Medellin, Colombia. These three rock-like structures sit at the top of a hillside overlooking Medellin and serve as an iconic symbol for the city.
The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center at 1215 Dickinson Dr. on the university’s Coral Gables campus.
UM professor names cruise ship
University of Miami professor and oceanographer Sharon Smith recently named Celebrity Cruises’ 2,850-guest ship Celebrity Solstice. She is the first ocean scientist ever to serve as the godmother of a cruise ship.
A biological oceanographer, Smith has traveled the world on research expeditions from the polar regions to the Arabian Sea. Smith investigates ecosystems by looking at how ocean physics shape the availability of the food supply and the effects global warming is having on food for birds, fish, baleen whales and other animals.
In 1993, she joined the faculty of UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science as a professor of marine biology and fisheries. She also co-directs the university’s Oceans and Human Health Center and was recently named assistant dean of the undergraduate program in marine science.
Celebrity Solstice will begin its season Nov. 23 on a series of seven-night round-trip Eastern Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. In spring 2009, the new ship will introduce a series of 10 and 11-night Mediterranean sailings round-trip from Rome.
“All of us at Celebrity Cruises are exceptionally proud and honored to call inspiring ocean scientist… and very special woman, Sharon Smith, godmother of Celebrity Solstice,” said Richard Fain, the chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises.