Conceived in 2007 as a means of tracking coastal fish and sea turtles in east-central Florida, the FACT Network has expanded rapidly in geographic scope and membership, and now includes state and federal wildlife agencies, universities, not-for-profit and private marine research organizations operating throughout east Florida, Georgia, the Bahamas and Caribbean.
FACT partners have acoustic receivers deployed along a continuum of habitats including tidal rivers, estuaries, ocean inlets, the surf zone, as well as offshore coral reefs and wrecks. And the number of tagged animals continues to grow with >5000 individuals from 83 species released to date.
The image to the right depicts the growth of the FACT Network from 2007 through 2017. Yellow dots represent FACT Network tracking stations (receivers).
Watch us grow!
FACT Network Growth
The number of active acoustic receivers in the FACT Network by year.The current year will continue to grow throughout the year as FACT members contribute data to our Node.
Steering Committee
FACT Executive Director
Joy Young
FWCC/FWRI
FACT Steering Committee
The purpose of the FACT Network Steering Committee is to create a strategic plan, make sure activities align with the the strategic plan, resolve conflicts, provide guidance on funding and research opportunities for FACT members, and streamline FACT Network management tasks.
Krystan Wilkinson
2023
Chicago Zoological Society
Sarah Webb
2023
South Florida Water Management District
Mitch Rider
Student/Early Career Representative - 2023
University of Miami
Jeff Guertin
2025
Inwater Research Group
Victoria Goldner
2025
Florida International University
FACT Steering Committee Charter
The purpose of the FACT Network Steering Committee is to create a strategic plan for the FACT Network, make sure activities align with the objectives in the strategic plan, resolve conflicts, provide guidance on funding and research opportunities for FACT members, and streamline FACT Network management tasks.
Charter Past SC Members
We are truly grateful to the previous FACT Steering Committee members who have generously contributed their time and expertise. Serving two-year terms with an option to extend, these individuals have played a key role in guiding and strengthening the network. Explore the list of past members who have helped shape FACT.
Past SC Members FACT Helpers
Beth Bowers
Data Manager
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Dani Morely
Data Manager
FWCC/FWRI
Bonnie Ahr
Outreach and Social Media Coordinator
Kennedy Space Center
