It's not only a serious health and safety hazard for beach-goers, it's killing a variety of species of marine life. Volunteers sign up supporters and distribute brochures that detail how a clear plastic bag can choke a sea turtle while monofilament line can be an invisible trap for an endangered manatee. Although the display is not easy to build or maintain, Lawlor firmly believes it's worth the effort. After spending months planning the exhibit, enlisting volunteers, building the tanks, installing pumps and trimming the display with artwork, the daily grind has only just begun. The Sea Grant agent is quick to point out that he doesn't do the work alone.
School children create original artwork adorning the display.
Club members volunteer for shifts at the booth. The local fishing industry donates live fish. There are triggers, cow, puffers, mullets, lobsters, crabs, shrimp and seahorses. Lawlor refers to a note left on the tank by 4-H volunteers. Despite all the long hours these teenagers could have spent on the midway, they not only thanked me, they asked me to do it again next year.