Stingray Pavilion

Cedar Key is a fishing village on the west coast of Florida.  Much of the community makes a living from fishing and shellfish farming.  Commercial net trawling has been outlawed in Cedar Key, and it is important for people to know why.

Bottom trawling releases carbon that turns into carbon dioxide when it disturbs the sediments on the seabed.  With over 3 million trawling vessels operating daily worldwide, this has become a great contributor to climate change.  Some carbon remains in the water increasing its acidity which harms marine environments, particularly coral reefs.  It also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide the ocean can absorb from the air above it. 

In addition, trawling nets kill indiscriminately.  Millions of marine animals, such as sea turtles and stingrays, are innocent bystanders that die in the process of getting caught in the nets.

However, stingrays are also sought after by many trawling vessels.  Not only are they used to create fake scallops, but stingray leather has become a popular material for designers in many parts of the world.  There are over a hundred species of stingrays that are endangered, or considered critically endangered.

Unfortunately, there are no fishing regulations for catching stingrays in Florida.  Therefore, our only chance currently to protect them is awareness.  Accompanying the stingray pavilion will be multiple plaques informing the visiting public of the issues surrounding stingrays and commercial fishing.  If this beautiful space helps increase tourism in Cedar Key, it could make a difference for the life of stingrays in Florida.

The fishing dock in the city center of Cedar Key is currently a main attraction and the most logical place to implement an iconic work of art that will bring awareness about the life of stingrays and commercial fishing practices to visitors and residents.