News Archive

Stetson Law Students Compete in Inaugural Environmental Tax Policy Writing Competition
Thanks to support from Richard O. “Dick” Jacobs, Stetson Law launched the Stetson Environmental Tax Policy Writing Competition in spring 2020. The winners of the inaugural competition were Daniel F. Town (first place) and Daniel Raymer (second place). Daniel F. Town wrote “From Futile to Utile: Addressing the key role of Florida’s Electric Utility Companies in mitigating Sea-Level Rise,” and Daniel Raymer wrote “Plastic Tax: An Alternative to Plastic Alternatives.” The students were recognized during a virtual awards ceremony in July 2020.
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U.S. Supreme Court Cites Amici Curiae Brief Filed by Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy
Last July, Professor Royal Gardner (Director of Stetson’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy), Erin Okuno (Assistant Director of the Biodiversity Institute), and a team of attorneys filed an amici curiae brief on behalf of aquatic scientists and scientific societies in the Supreme Court of the United States. The brief explained why the consideration of science is required to achieve the Clean Water Act’s objective to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” The team of attorneys traveled to Washington, D.C. in November to observe the oral arguments, during which Justice Breyer mentioned the amici curiae brief of the scientists and scientific societies. On April 23, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Clean Water Act covers the “functional equivalent” of direct discharges of pollutants to navigable waters, and the majority opinion cited the amici curiae brief. The case is County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund (No. 18-260).
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» Read the Amici Curiae Brief
» Read the Supreme Court Opinion

Team from National University of Advanced Legal Studies Wins 24th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition
Stetson Law hosted the virtual rounds of the 24th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition (IEMCC) on April 2–4, 2020. Due to the pandemic, the competition was moved to an online format, and 17 teams from 10 jurisdictions participated in the virtual rounds. The team from National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, India, was the competition champion, and the team from National Law Institute University, Bhopal, India, was the runner-up.
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Stetson Law Virtually Hosts 20th International Wildlife Law Conference
On April 1–2, 2020, speakers and attendees from around the world participated in the 20th International Wildlife Law Conference. The event was hosted virtually and included presentations and panels on topics such as trophy hunting, fisheries, marine biodiversity, and wildlife and animal welfare. Stetson Law’s Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy coordinated the virtual conference, which was co-sponsored by the Environmental Law Center at the University of Cologne, the Institute of Environment Education and Research at Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Tilburg University, and the University of Barcelona Faculty of Law.
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Dr. Arie Trouwborst Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture on Domestic Cats as Invasive Species
On April 1, 2020, Dr. Arie Trouwborst, Associate Professor at Tilburg Law School, presented “Domestic Cats and International Wildlife Law – Turning a Blind Eye to One of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species?” during the virtual 20th International Wildlife Law Conference. Dr. Trouwborst delivered the lecture as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series.
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Craig Pittman Delivers Presentation at Stetson Law on the Florida Panther
As part of Stetson Law’s Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series, Craig Pittman, Tampa Bay Times environmental reporter and author of “Cat Tale,” presented “The Wild, Weird Battle to Save the Florida Panther” on February 27, 2020. Mr. Pittman discussed the efforts to save the state animal.
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» Watch Newsbreak Video
» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson Law Students Compete at the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition
In February 2020, Stetson Law students James Doyle, Kendall Griesse, and Brian Remler competed in the Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains, New York. James, Kendall, and Brian advanced to the quarterfinals. Professor Roy Gardner and Erin Okuno coached the team.

Dr. Jason Evans Delivers Foreman Biodiversity Lecture on Climate Adaptation Planning
On November 5, Dr. Jason Evans, Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience at Stetson University, delivered a lecture about climate adaptation planning in the coastal zone. Dr. Evans discussed lessons learned and offered suggestions based on the applied resilience planning work he has done with local governments in Florida.
» Watch Newsbreak Video
» Watch Lecture Video

Elizabeth Silleck Presents at Stetson Law on Sustainable Fisheries Management
On October 15, Elizabeth Silleck, Senior Conservation Manager for Environmental Defense Fund's Oceans, Gulf of Mexico Program, spoke at Stetson Law about “How Economic Incentives and Technology Can Foster Sustainable Fisheries Management.” The lecture was part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson Law Hosts Meeting for Regional Sea Turtle Treaty
On September 25–27, 2019, Stetson Law hosted the 16th Meeting of the Scientific Committee for the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC). The IAC is a regional intergovernmental treaty with 16 contracting parties. Stetson students, faculty, and staff observed and provided support for the meeting, which included delegates from 12 countries.
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Jason Lauritsen Delivers Presentation about Protecting Florida's Wildlife Corridor
The Executive Director of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, Jason Lauritsen, spoke at Stetson Law on September 12, 2019, as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Mr. Lauritsen discussed the importance of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and explained how people can get involved to help protect the landscape, wildlife, and people.
» Watch Newsbreak Video
» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson's Biodiversity Institute Files Amici Curiae Brief in Supreme Court of the United States
On July 19, 2019, Professor Roy Gardner, Erin Okuno, and a team of attorneys filed an amici curiae brief in the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of four individual aquatic scientists and eight national and international scientific societies. The brief explains why the consideration of science is required to achieve the Clean Water Act's objective.
» Read the Amici Curiae Brief
[Note: The views expressed in the brief do not represent the views of Stetson University College of Law or any other institution identified in the brief. Affiliations of counsel are provided in the brief for identification purposes only.]

19th International Wildlife Law Conference Held in Barcelona, Spain
On June 3–4, 2019, the University of Barcelona Faculty of Law hosted the 19th International Wildlife Law Conference. Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy co-sponsored the event, which brought together a variety of professionals involved in wildlife conservation, including lawyers, policymakers, and scientists. Professor Royal Gardner presented on the Global Wetland Outlook at the opening plenary session, and Erin Okuno gave a presentation about extinct species and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
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Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy Receives Grant from the Joy McCann Foundation
Stetson's Biodiversity Institute received a $150,000 grant from the Joy McCann Foundation to conduct a two-year research project on “Improving Long-term Protection of Aquatic Resource Compensatory Mitigation Sites.” The main objective of the project will be to support the efforts of policymakers, regulators, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective long-term protection of aquatic resource compensatory mitigation sites in Florida and around the country.
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National Law School of India University, Bangalore Wins 23rd Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition (IEMCC)
A team of students from the National Law School of India University in Bangalore won the International Finals of the 23rd Annual Stetson IEMCC. The National University of Singapore was the runner-up. Stetson Law hosted the International Finals April 11–13, 2019, on its Gulfport, Florida campus. Twenty-seven teams from around the world participated in the International Finals. The theme of the competition was “Use of the Sargasso Sea and the Protection of Eels.”
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Dr. Richard Caddell Speaks at Stetson Law about Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
On April 11, 2019, Dr. Richard Caddell (School of Law and Politics, Cardiff University, UK) delivered the final Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the spring semester. Dr. Caddell presented “Fish and Foul Play: Emerging Approaches to Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.” The lecture kicked off the International Finals of the 23rd Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Wildlife Inspectors with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Present Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law
Rhyan Tompkins and Cindy Mercado spoke at Stetson Law on March 5, 2019, as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Tompkins and Mercado are wildlife inspectors with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). They discussed how the USFWS works to combat illegal wildlife trade.
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Andrew Hayslip Speaks at Stetson Law about Tampa Bay Waterkeeper's Role in Protecting Clean Water
On January 31, 2019, Andrew Hayslip, Executive Director and Waterkeeper, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, delivered the first Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the spring semester. He presented about "Science, Policy, and Advocacy: Applying the Waterkeeper Model in the Tampa Bay Watershed."
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» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson Law Hosts Sixth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop
In collaboration with the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), Stetson Law hosted the Sixth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop on Nov. 8, 2018. The theme of the workshop was “The Role of NGOs and the Public Sector in Implementing Wetland Restoration Projects: Trends, Lessons Learned, and Best Practices.” The workshop featured a morning field trip and afternoon panel presentations on in-lieu fee compensatory mitigation and public mitigation banks and programs.
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» Learn More about the Wetlands Workshop

Dr. M. Siobhan Fennessy Discusses Wetland Restoration at Stetson Law
On Nov. 8, 2018, Dr. M. Siobhan Fennessy (Philip and Sheila Jordan Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, Kenyon College) presented “Assessing the Performance of Wetland Restoration for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Is there an App for that?” at Stetson Law as part of the final Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the fall semester. Dr. Fennessy's lecture was held in conjunction with the Sixth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Dick Jacobs Explains the Importance of “Dirty Hands, Wet Feet Learning” at Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law
Richard O. “Dick” Jacobs, an attorney and photo explorer who serves as senior counsel at Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, presented the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law on September 25, 2018. Mr. Jacobs shared lessons learned and photos from his adventures trekking the seven continents, and he explained the importance of “dirty hands, wet feet” learning: real world experiences that can positively shape our lives like nothing else can.
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Professor James Salzman Delivers Lecture at Stetson on Payments for Ecosystem Services
On September 6, 2018, Professor James Salzman, Bren Distinguished Professor at UCLA Law School/UCSB School of Environment, delivered the first Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the fall semester at Stetson Law. Professor Salzman presented “Can Nature Pay Its Way? The Past, Present and Future of Payments for Ecosystem Services.”
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» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson Law Student Spends Summer Working at the Wildlife Trust of India
Second-year law student Kate Welch landed a summer externship working for the Wildlife Trust of India. Welch conducted legal research and outreach and assisted veterinarians in the field. The Dick and Joan Jacobs' Environmental Law Externship Fund helped defray the travel expenses associated with the externship.
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Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy Files Another Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Clean Water Rule
In July 2018, a team of attorneys, including Professor Royal Gardner (Director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law), Erin Okuno (Foreman Biodiversity Fellow at Stetson Law), Dr. Steph Tai (Associate Professor of Law at University of Wisconsin Law School), Kathleen Gardner, and Christopher Greer (Park Jensen Bennett LLP), filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) in support of the Clean Water Rule. The team filed the brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.This is the second brief the team has filed on behalf of SWS.
» Read the Amicus Curiae Brief
[Note: The views expressed in the brief do not represent the views of Stetson University College of Law or any other institution identified in the brief. Affiliations of counsel are provided in the brief for identification purposes only.]

Professor Roy Gardner Receives Award from the Society of Wetland Scientists
In June 2018, Professor Roy Gardner, director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, received the Society of Wetland Scientists President's Service Award in recognition of his work on Clean Water Act policy issues and litigation on behalf of the Society. Professor Gardner accepted the award at the Society's Annual Meeting in Denver.
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Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy Files Amicus Curiae Brief on Behalf of Society of Wetland Scientists in Opposition to Suspension of Clean Water Rule
Professor Royal Gardner (Director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law), Erin Okuno (Foreman Biodiversity Fellow at Stetson Law), Dr. Steph Tai (Associate Professor of Law at University of Wisconsin Law School), Kathleen Gardner, and Christopher Greer (Park Jensen Bennett LLP) filed an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in May 2018. They filed the brief on behalf of the Society of Wetland Scientists, a leading professional association of wetland and aquatic scientists around the world. The brief explains the necessity of considering the scientific basis of the Clean Water Rule, which defines the geographic coverage of the Clean Water Act.
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» Read the Amicus Curiae Brief
[Note: The views expressed in the brief do not represent the views of Stetson University College of Law or any other institution identified in the brief. Affiliations of counsel are provided in the brief for identification purposes only.]

Stetson Student Wins Award for Work on Proposed Plastic Straw Ban
Stetson Law student Jennifer Winn received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar in June 2018. The award recognizes Winn's work to spearhead a proposed local ordinance that would ban plastic straws.
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Professor Long Works with Stetson Law Alumni and Student on Climate Change Litigation
Professor Lance Long, Stetson Law alumni Katie Cleveland Bright and Rachael Curran, and Stetson Law student Brittany Atwell provided assistance in connection with climate change litigation brought by Our Children's Trust on behalf of Florida youth.
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University of the Philippines Wins 22nd Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition
Stetson Law hosted the International Finals of the 22nd Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition on March 22-24, 2018. Twenty-one teams from thirteen countries around the world participated in the International Finals, and the University of the Philippines was this year's champion. The competition problem focused on “Responses to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Transboundary Wetlands.”
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Dr. Ruth Cromie Speaks at Stetson Law about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
On March 22, 2018, Dr. Ruth Cromie, Head of Ecosystem Health, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, UK, presented “Avian influenza: a One Health issue of threats and opportunities” as the final Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the spring semester. Dr. Cromie discussed how emerging infectious diseases may affect wildlife and humans. The lecture kicked off the International Finals of the 23rd Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition.
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Third-Year Stetson Law Student to Work at Environment and Natural Resources Division of Department of Justice
After graduation in May 2018, Stetson Law student Vanessa Moore will move to Washington, D.C. to work for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. Moore is a member of Stetson's Moot Court Board, an editor on the Stetson Law Review, and vice president of Stetson's Environmental Law Society. She also serves as a research fellow for the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy.
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Anne Harvey Holbrook Discusses Manatee Conservation at Stetson Law
As part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series, Anne Harvey Holbrook, staff attorney at Save the Manatee Club, spoke at Stetson Law on March 1, 2018, about manatee conservation in Florida. The presentation addressed the species' status, threats to the species, and Save the Manatee Club's work to protect manatees.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Director of the Wildlife Trust of India Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture about Elephant Conservation
Vivek Menon, executive director and CEO of the Wildlife Trust of India, presented “The Elephant at the UN” to kick off the spring semester of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series at Stetson Law on Feb. 1, 2018. Menon discussed the threats to elephants and the role of the Asian elephant in three UN biodiversity conventions. In conjunction with Menon's visit, Stetson Law offered a short course on illegal wildlife trafficking.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Dr. Max Finlayson Delivers Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law as Part of Fifth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop
On Nov. 9, 2017, Dr. Max Finlayson presented “Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Ecosystems—Evidence from Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Mangroves” as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Dr. Finlayson is an internationally renowned wetland ecologist and the director of the Institute for Land, Water and Society at Charles Sturt University, Australia. The lecture kicked off the Fifth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop, which focused on the status and conservation of reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses, and the use of compensatory mitigation to offset coastal wetland impacts.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Tonya Long Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law about Light Management and Sea Turtles
Tonya Long, a fish and wildlife biologist at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, presented the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law on Oct. 23, 2017. Long's lecture, “The Dark Side: Improving Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Through Comprehensive Light Management,” described the negative effects that lighting can have on nesting and hatchling sea turtles and explained how to improve lighting to make beaches more wildlife-friendly.
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Dr. Dwight T. Pitcaithley Speaks at Stetson Law on the History of the National Park Service
On Oct. 9, 2017, Dr. Dwight T. Pitcaithley, former chief historian of the National Park Service (NPS), presented “The National Park Service After 100 Years: A Historian Reflects” as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series at Stetson Law. Dr. Pitcaithley discussed the history of the NPS, as well as its challenges and opportunities.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Professor Roy Gardner and Erin Okuno Present at 2017 National Mitigation and Ecosystem Banking Conference (NMEBC)
On May 10 and 11, 2017, Professor Roy Gardner and Foreman Biodiversity Fellow Erin Okuno presented at the NMEBC in Sacramento, California. Professor Gardner discussed the status of the Clean Water Rule in his presentation, "What's up with WOTUS (and other mitigation litigation)?" Erin discussed how in-lieu fee programs plan for long-term stewardship of wetlands in her presentation, "Planning for Perpetuity: Long-Term Stewardship for In-Lieu Fee Programs."

Gujarat National Law University wins Stetson's Twenty-First Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition
Stetson Law hosted the International Finals of the International Environmental Moot Court Competition on March 30-April 1, 2017, in Gulfport, Florida. Seventeen teams from around the world participated in the International Finals, and the team from Gujarat National Law University in India was the champion.
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Judge Anthony Lucky Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law
On March 30, 2017, Judge Anthony Lucky, member of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, presented an Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture about "The Role of the Courts in Promoting Biodiversity." The lecture was held in conjunction with the International Finals of Stetson's Twenty-First Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Stetson Students Advance to Semifinals of 2017 Robert R. Merhige, Jr. National Environmental Negotiation Competition
On March 25-26, 2017, Stetson students Arielle Claude and Allison Conti competed at the Robert R. Merhige, Jr. National Environmental Negotiation Competition in Richmond, Virginia. The team advanced to the semifinals. Professor Lance Long and Foreman Biodiversity Fellow Erin Okuno coached the team.

Scientific Organizations Endorse Amici Curiae Brief Co-Authored by Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy
Seven scientific organizations, including the Society of Wetland Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, issued a joint letter in support of protecting the nation's waters and to endorse an amici curiae brief that was recently filed in support of the Clean Water Rule. Stetson Law Professor Royal Gardner, Foreman Biodiversity Fellow Erin Okuno, and University of Wisconsin Professor Steph Tai filed the brief on behalf of wetland and water scientists.
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Dr. Song Gao Speaks at Stetson Law about Global Climate Change Issues and the Interplay between Science and Policy
On Feb. 27, 2017, Dr. Song Gao, associate professor of chemistry at Stetson University, spoke to members of the Stetson and local community as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Dr. Gao presented "Atmospheric Aerosols, Super Greenhouse Gases, Global Climate Change: Where Science Meets Policy."
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Stetson Law Students Advance to Final Round at 2017 Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition
Miles Archabal and Vanessa Moore, members of Stetson Law's award-winning Moot Court Board, were finalists at the 2017 Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, held on February 23-25, 2017, in White Plains, NY. Sixty-three teams competed, and Miles and Vanessa advanced to the final round, during which they argued in front of judges from the EPA Environmental Appeals Board and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Fifth Circuit, and Sixth Circuit. Professor Brooke Bowman, Professor Royal Gardner, and Foreman Biodiversity Fellow Erin Okuno coached the team.

Jaclyn Lopez Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture about "Florida's Frightening Phosphate Problem"
Jaclyn Lopez, Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the Jacobs Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment, delivered the first Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the spring semester on Jan. 24, 2017. Lopez discussed how the phosphate industry has impacted the environment in Florida.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Amici Curiae Brief Filed on Behalf of Scientists in Support of Clean Water Rule
On Jan. 20, 2017, Professor Royal Gardner (Director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy at Stetson Law), Dr. Steph Tai (Associate Professor of Law at University of Wisconsin Law School), and Erin Okuno (Foreman Biodiversity Fellow at Stetson Law) filed an amici curiae brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. They filed the brief on behalf of 12 wetland and water scientists, including Dr. Kirsten Work and Dr. Benjamin R. Tanner (Stetson University), in support of the Clean Water Rule, which defines the geographic coverage of the Clean Water Act.
» Read the Amici Curiae Brief
[Note: The views expressed in the brief do not represent the views of Stetson University College of Law or any other institution identified in the brief. Affiliations of amici curiae and their counsel are provided in the brief for identification purposes only.]

Stetson Law's International Wildlife Law Conference Hosted in Pune, India
On Jan. 6-9, 2017, the Institute of Environment Education and Research, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, hosted the 17th International Wildlife Law Conference in Pune, India. The conference brought together wildlife law experts from governmental, non-governmental, and academic sectors. A post-conference tour was conducted in the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
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Jeanne Christie Delivers Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop
Stetson Law hosted the Fourth Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop on Nov. 3, 2016. The theme of the workshop was "Beyond the Clean Water Act: The Role of State and Local Wetland Programs and the Potential of Brownfields as Mitigation Sites." Jeanne Christie, executive director of the Association of State Wetland Managers, delivered the Foreman Biodiversity Lecture to begin the workshop.
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» Watch Lecture Video

Dr. Naomi A. Rose Delivers Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson Law about Captive Marine Mammals
On Sept. 29, 2016, Dr. Naomi A. Rose, a marine mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, gave a presentation at Stetson Law as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Dr. Rose spoke about the problems associated with keeping marine mammals in captivity, as well as regulatory and legislative developments related to captive whales and dolphins.
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Stetson Law Awarded Grant by the Sea Turtle Grants Program for a Special Course on Sea Turtle Law and Policy
Thanks to a generous grant by the Sea Turtle Grants Program administered by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, Stetson's Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy offered a one-credit, three-day course, “Topics in Biodiversity Law: Sea Turtles,” Aug. 26–28, 2016. As part of the course, students participated in a guided tour of a nesting beach at Fort De Soto Park.
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University of San Carlos Wins the 20th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition
Teams from around the world traveled to Stetson Law to participate in the International Finals of Stetson's International Environmental Moot Court Competition on April 13-16, 2016. Students presented arguments regarding whether an ambassador should be prosecuted for illegal ivory trade and whether elephants should be protected as cultural property. The team from the University of San Carlos was the champion.
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» Visit the Competition Facebook Page

Stetson Law Hosts 16th International Wildlife Law Conference
Speakers, students, and attendees from across the globe participated in the International Wildlife Law Conference at Stetson Law on April 13-14, 2016. Issues discussed include hunting, fishing, and other impacts on wildlife, as well as connections and collaborations across multilateral environmental agreements.
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Elizabeth Gitari Speaks at Stetson Law about Illegal Wildlife Trade and Protecting Elephants
On April 13, 2016, Elizabeth Gitari, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the legal affairs manager at WildlifeDirect, delivered the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson. She discussed innovations in the prosecution of illegal wildlife trade and shared some of her experiences working to protect elephants from poachers.
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Stetson Student Steers Bike Share Program
Miles Archabal, a Stetson student in the environmental law concentration, is leading efforts to establish a bike share program at Stetson Law's Gulfport campus. He is seeking donations of used bikes for members of the Stetson community to use around campus.
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Professor Gardner Returns to the United Nations to Speak about Wetlands
On March 21, 2016, Professor Royal C. Gardner spoke at the United Nations at the joint celebration of the International Day of Forests and World Water Day. Professor Gardner serves as chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. He discussed the importance of mangroves to people and ecosystems.
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Stetson Law's Environmental Negotiation Teams Participate in the 2016 Robert R. Merhige, Jr. National Environmental Negotiation Competition
Two teams from Stetson Law participated in the Robert R. Merhige, Jr. National Environmental Negotiation Competition on March 18-20, 2016. Hayley Brew, Tiffany Fanelli, Anabella Rojas, and Ciara Willis traveled with their coaches to Richmond, Virginia for the competition. Both Stetson teams advanced to the semifinals. The teams were coached by Professor Lance Long and Erin Okuno, Foreman Biodiversity Fellow.

Dr. Anne Meylan Speaks to Stetson Community about Being Stewards for Sea Turtles
Dr. Anne Meylan, senior research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, gave a presentation at Stetson Law on March 1, 2016, as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Dr. Meylan discussed the threats to endangered sea turtles and explained how Florida is critically important as a nesting site for sea turtles.
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Stetson's Biodiversity Institute's Director Attends IPBES Meeting in Malaysia
Professor Royal C. Gardner, director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, attended the Fourth Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-4) on February 22-28, 2016, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the session, the first IPBES thematic assessment on pollinators, pollination, and food production was issued.
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Gulfport Mayoral Candidates Speak about Environmental Issues at Stetson Law
Stetson Law students Emily Carter and Lauren Eliopoulos organized a public town hall forum at Stetson's Gulfport campus on February 25, 2016. Gulfport mayoral candidates spoke to members of the community about their positions on local environmental issues.
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Randall Arauz Presents Foreman Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson about Shark Finning
On Jan. 26, 2016, Randall Arauz, who is the president of PRETOMA, spoke to students, professors, and members of the community about the challenges and successes of Costa Rica's shark finning campaign.
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Director of Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy Attends Meeting at U.N. in New York
Professor Royal Gardner, director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, spoke about wetlands at a meeting of the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) in New York on Nov. 20, 2015. The meeting of world leaders included Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and others.
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» Watch Video of Professor Gardner's Remarks

Stetson Law Hosts Wetlands Workshop
On Nov. 12, 2015, Stetson Law hosted the Third Annual ELI-Stetson Wetlands Workshop. The topic was "Wetlands Mitigation and Long-Term Stewardship: Financial Challenges and Title Issues." Regulators, industry experts, wetland scientists, attorneys, law students, and graduate students from Florida and around the country attended the event.
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Dr. Rodrigo A. Medellín, the "Bat Man of Mexico," Discusses the Importance of Biological Diversity
Dr. Medellín, senior professor of Ecology at the Institute of Ecology, UNAM, and the past president of the Society for Conservation Biology, presented at Stetson Law as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series on Oct. 22, 2015. He spoke about conservation science and why biological diversity is so important. Dr. Medellín provided examples of several successful conservation research projects that have protected different species.
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Stetson Professor Royal Gardner Reappointed as Chair of Scientific Advisory Body of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Royal Gardner, professor of law and director of the Institute for Biodiversity Law and Policy, has been reappointed as chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. One of 18 appointed experts, Professor Gardner will serve as chair for the 2016-2018 triennium.
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Stetson Law Faculty, Students, Staff, and Alumni Participate in Local Sea Level Rise Conference
On October 2-3, 2015, Stetson Law professors, students, staff, and alumni participated in a conference titled "Sea Level Rise: What's Our Next Move?" at St. Petersburg College. They acted as debaters, moderators, participants, and volunteers at the conference, which was designed to identify actionable next steps to address the issues associated with sea level rise.
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Mike Walker, Attorney at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Speaks at Stetson Law
As part of the Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series, Mike Walker, a senior enforcement attorney at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, presented at Stetson Law on September 29, 2015. He spoke about the legacy of Aldo Leopold, environmental ethics, and biodiversity issues.
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Photographer and Explorer Carlton Ward Jr. Delivers First Foreman Biodiversity Lecture of the Fall 2015 Semester
On Sept. 3, 2015, Carlton Ward Jr. spoke to over 150 students, faculty, staff, and members of the community about the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition and his work to help promote environmental conservation. Throughout his presentation, he shared photographs from his latest 70-day, 1,000-mile journey through Florida.
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Professor Royal Gardner Attends Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
In June 2015, Professor Royal Gardner discussed the state of the world's wetlands and the Scientific and Technical Review Panel's (STRP) activities in his STRP Chair's report at the 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention. More than 800 representatives from 140 countries attended this meeting, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
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Team from Law Society of Ireland Wins Stetson's International Environmental Moot Court Competition
On April 16-18, 2015, Stetson hosted the International Finals of Stetson's 19th Annual International Environmental Moot Court Competition. The International Finals Champion was the Law Society of Ireland, and the Finalist was the University of the Philippines.
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Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species Delivers Biodiversity Lecture at Stetson
Dr. Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), presented a lecture at Stetson as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series. Dr. Chambers spoke about innovations within the CMS.
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Professor Royal Gardner Co-Authors Briefing Note Urging for Wetland Conservation and Restoration
In April 2015, Professor Royal Gardner co-authored a briefing note with international scientists. The briefing note highlights the continuing loss and degradation of wetlands, and calls on policymakers to take action to conserve and protect wetlands and the ecosystem services they provide.
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Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Lectures on Environmental and Natural Resources Law
On March 11, 2015, Ignacia Moreno spoke to Stetson students about her experience as an environmental attorney. She was formerly in charge of the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the Department of Justice. Her lecture was part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series.
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Professor Royal Gardner Attends Meeting of the Standing Committee for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
During Jan. 26-30, 2015, Professor Royal Gardner attended the 48th Meeting of the Standing Committee in Gland, Switzerland. The Standing Committee oversees the affairs of the Ramsar Convention and typically meets every year.
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Students Attend Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit
Stetson students attended the Blue Ocean Film Festival & Conservation Summit in St. Petersburg, Florida, in early November 2014. The students viewed presentations and films about threats to our oceans.
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NOAA Research Fishery Biologist Speaks at Stetson about Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish
Dr. John Carlson, a research fishery biologist with the Southeast Fisheries Science Center for the National Marine Fisheries Service, presented a lecture as part of the Edward and Bonnie Foreman Biodiversity Lecture Series on Oct. 8, 2014, at Stetson Law.
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Sea Turtle Conservation at Stetson
Last spring, Stetson offered a special course to students that covered policies and laws related to protecting endangered sea turtles. Stetson also hosted the Consultative Committee Meeting of the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles.
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Earth Day Event
Stetson students hosted an Earth Day celebration on campus to spread awareness about sustainable living. The Stetson student Environmental Law Society, Student Wellness Society and Food Law Society sponsored the event, which included music, art, food, and informational booths.
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Student Presents Proposed Solution to Illegal Ivory Trade
Part-time Stetson student Ethan Arthur traveled to Arlington, Virginia to present his proposal about how to stop elephant poaching and illegal ivory trade. He spoke at a meeting of the Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking.
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Students and Professor Help Write Supreme Court Amicus Brief
Stetson students Marc Shumaker and Erin Okuno and Professor Royal Gardner worked with the National Wildlife Federation to prepare an amicus brief in a wetlands case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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