Octavio
Franco

About

I am the Florida Sea Grant’s Southeast Clean Boating Coordinator for the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Aquatic Preserves, the Miami River, a section of Lake Okeechobee and the entire Southeast coast from Martin County to the United State’s southern most point in Key West. I am dedicated to reducing boater pollution through effective communication and outreach between state agencies, marinas, and the boating community. My professional experience working with different groups stems from my time serving in the United States Navy working on board an air craft carrier and also serving overseas in Keflavik Iceland (both environmentally sensitive settings). I also currently volunteer with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary which affords me the opportunity in becoming very familiar with marina’s and boating operations. Since 2019, I have been working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the SE Clean Boating Coordinator performing very similar duties that fall within my current scope of work. I am an avid diver, am learning how to sail and hope to earn a PhD in Ichthyology someday.

Projects, Research & Specializations

The Clean Marina Program and Clean Vessel Act (CVA) encourages marine facilities and boaters to protect Florida’s waterways through best practices and proper waste disposal. In my role, I leverages my skills in public outreach and education through site visits and workshops to give boaters the knowledge, tools, and resources to navigate CVA grant applications, and the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of sewage disposal equipment for the Clean Marina Program.