PEOPLE OF INTEREST
90
DOLPHIN ECOLOGY PROJECT PERMIT #18182
Dolphins are often seen in the Indian River Lagoon and are an indicator
species of the health of the lagoon.
agricultural lands, canals and Lake Okeechobee.
“When our waters get bad, some think the dolphins just go
out in the ocean or move,” she says. “No, not true — this is
their home, and they’ll take in anything that comes their way
— pollution, toxic algae or contaminated prey.”
Entanglements from crab traps and careless recreational
boating are also endangering the species.
“I don’t think a lot of people know that dolphins get hit by
boats,” she says. “There’s a lot of boat traffic in the St. Lucie
River and Indian River Lagoon. It’s crazy. I have seen a lot
of dorsal fins that have been cut off or you can see the prop
marks and scars. Some dolphins die by boat hits — blunt
trauma. Sometimes they just can’t get out of the way. And
that’s why it’s very important that boats slow down and stay
in the channel.”
Dolphins have long been known for their intelligence and
social behavior. Mader refers to them as “big brains in the
water.” She feels that humans could learn a lesson from them
about protecting nature.
“What I respect so much is that they live in their own
societies mostly under the water, and they live in harmony
with their environment,” she points out. “They don’t destroy
anything. Think about it. They kill fish to eat them, and occasionally
ward off a shark. But that’s it.”
If you’re out boating in the Indian River Lagoon, there’s a
chance you’ll see Mader aboard the Julie Mae capturing shots
of diving creatures. She says she is living out her dream protecting
what she loves — the river and her dolphins.
“I believe that’s what I’ve been put here for,” she says. “I’ve
always been intrigued by animals and wildlife. I never get
bored with it. Nature grounds me.”
St. Lucie Public Schools
POINTS
OF PRIDE
“B” RATED DISTRICT WITH
NO FAILING SCHOOLS
• 66% are “A” and “B” schools
TOP PERFORMING
FLORIDA DISTRICT
• Top 3rd for academic achievement
• Top 10 for graduation rate
• 91.8% overall graduation rate
STLUCIEPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG
/www.stluciepublicschools.org
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