The Nature Conservancy's Marine Conservation Efforts

TNC Bd. member Travis Folk, Dr. Mary Conley, 
TNC Sec'y Jessica Loring

S.C. Updates from TNC

On a pleasant fall evening in downtown Charleston, a gathering of conservationists took place at the request of he South Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Several citizens sponsored the drinks and food at the Carolina Yacht Club, so that TNC Marine Conservation Director Mary Conley could speak about charting a map for saltwater conservation. Event host Hugh Lane began with 'no prepared remarks' by sharing that TNC's John Sawhill was in tune with the vision for the ACE Basin, before the concept took hold and before one acre had been protected. Lane also stressed that the work TNC does costs money and that any financial support would be welcome. When Mary Conley spoke, she addressed our culture's fascination with oysters. She stated that they have a unique and iconic status in our estuary since they are multi-taskers. Oysters improve water quality by filtering the water, they provide habitat for many marine species, and of course they are an integral part to our economic system due to their annual heyday at oyster roasts during the months with an 'R' in them. TNC has completed eight oyster restoration projects in S.C. and they want to identify all areas where these projects can occur so that other conservation groups (SCDNR, CCA) can contribute to the greater cause with their own oyster projects, since oyster shell recycling efforts may not be enough. When it comes to offshore waters, Conley shared that only 1-percent of our oceans are under any kind of conservation, with perhaps 20 federal agencies jockeying for the say-so in that realm. Again, TNC hopes to use their experience as a global player, to help them lead this generation down the tideline of conservation, so that future generations can enjoy the same relationship with the saltwater environs that each of us inherited.

TNC State Director Mark Robertson with
 event hosts Pierre Manigault and Ben Moise

To view past blog entries about the Nature Conservancy in S.C. click here.

Peter Brown and John Payne frame this photo of conservationists