DEADLINE: "The Greater Everglades Ecosystem" Photo Contest

Florida Oceanographic Society is making the theme of their 2nd Annual Photography Contest "The Greater Everglades Ecosystem.” With nearly 5.5 million people living in and around the Ecosystem, it plays an important role in all of our lives, whether it is fresh water recharge or habitat for many of Florida’s most charismatic species. The focus this year will draw attention to the interconnectivity of the many waterways that at first glance appear to be independent systems, to the dramatic changes to the ecosystem, and to the varied habitats and wildlife that define Florida as a beautiful destination to people worldwide.

To enter the contest, the photographs must have been taken in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which includes the Kissimmee River watershed, Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and the Caloosahatchee River, the southern Indian River Lagoon, Big Cypress National Preserve, and from Lake Okeechobee south to Florida Bay. Entrants are asked to enter their 8”x10” photographs – print only – by either dropping them off at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center at 890 NE Ocean Blvd. in Stuart or by mailing them in. We will be accepting entries until close of business September 15, 2011. There will be five categories – Plants, Animals, Underwater, Landscape, and People of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem – with a winner in each.

Winners will be announced on Estuaries Day that will be celebrated September 24th, 2011 at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Winning photographs will be professionally framed and displayed along with their name at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center until June 1st, 2012. Winners will also receive a one-year membership in the Florida Oceanographic Society. Membership, among other benefits, includes free entrance for them, their children and their grandchildren for one year to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center with over 750,000 gallons of aquariums.

Visit website for rules and entry form.