Octavio Franco - Florida Sea Grant

About

Octavio Franco is the Florida Sea Grant Southeast Clean Boating Coordinator for the following areas: 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 States southernmost point in Key West. He is dedicated to reducing boater pollution through effective communication and outreach between state agencies, marinas, and the boating community. Octavio’s professional experience includes serving in the United States Navy working on board an aircraft carrier and serving overseas in Keflavik Iceland (both environmentally sensitive settings). Currently Octavio volunteers with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary which affords him the opportunity in becoming familiar with marina’s and boating operations. Octavio worked with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the SE Clean Boating Coordinator performing very similar duties that fall within his current scope of work at Florida Sea Grant.

Octavio earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sustainability Management & Development from New York University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Sustainability Management from Columbia University (both with a focus in Aquaculture), and his long-term goal is to earn a PhD in Ichthyology. In Octavio’s free time, he is an avid diver and is learning how to sail.

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.

*The Clean Boating Coordinator positions are funded through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.