The Benefits of Conservation Markets for Coral Reef Restoration in Florida
Reed Watson, Brett HowellMarkets and, in particular, user fees could reverse the deterioration of Florida’s coral reefs.
| Finance & Development, Marine Resources | Consulting, Facilitation/Negotiation, Fundraising, Resource Management
Brett W. Howell, MBA, PMP, is an environmental markets entrepreneur. He is on a mission to catalyze teams that are scaling breakthrough solutions to the systemic issues we face on our planet. Brett also has a successful career delivering strategic corporate projects, currently at Coca-Cola where he is working on initiatives including sustainability and the largest single re-franchising effort in business history.
Brett is a connector, a strategist, and a driver of execution. He mobilizes environmental and business leaders around shared opportunities, and builds and manages agile teams that can get products and ideas into the market. Brett has extensive experience developing, implementing, and managing innovative conservation and sustainability-related programs at locations around the world.
Brett holds an MBA from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.S. in Communication from the University of Miami. He is also a certified Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP). Brett is a graduate of the Property & Environment Research Center’s (PERC) Enviropreneur™ Institute.
Brett is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE). He also serves as an advisor to companies focused on achieving marine conservation successes, including restoring coral reefs and developing solutions to ocean plastics.
An avid pro-certified SCUBA diver, expert downhill snow skier, and intrepid whitewater rafter, Brett has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally in search of unique conservation experiences and outdoor adventures.
Markets and, in particular, user fees could reverse the deterioration of Florida’s coral reefs.
Despite their ecological and economic importance, Florida’s coral reefs are teetering on the verge of collapse. Scientific studies point to the impact of effluent discharges from municipal storm and wastewater treatment facilities along the coast.
PERC Enviropreneur Institute alum Brett Howell is developing a market for coral reef restoration off Florida's coast. If the reefs rebound and new coral grows, they will not only improve the habitat for marine animals but also improve business prospects for dive shops, fishing boats, and ocean side hotels and restaurants.
A trip to Mexico provides hands-on experience capturing lionfish and shows the challenges associated with marine parks.
Brett Howell provides updates from a gathering of PERC's Enviropreneur Institute at the Flying D Ranch.