MBARA seeking nominees for board of directors

The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association is seeking nominees for its board of directors.  The election meeting is on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

MBARA is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization designated to manage Mexico Beach’s artificial reef program by fundraising, and the installation and monitoring of artificial reefs in accordance with state and federal permits.

“We are looking for active people motivated by rewarding accomplishments benefiting our marine ecology and recreational use,” said Bob Cox, president of MBARA.

Candidates with a good understanding and knowledge of artificial reefs are highly desired; retirees or others with ample time to devote as volunteers are highly preferred.  These are all volunteer positions without financial compensation:

President:  Candidates should be willing to work closely with the city of Mexico Beach, Bay County Artificial Reef Coordinator/Florida Sea Grant, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and US Army Corps of Engineers.

Vice President:  Candidates must act in the president’s absence and assist other directors with their duties.

Secretary:  Candidates take and publish meeting minutes and perform other clerical duties.

Treasurer:  Candidates must pass a background screen, have good accounting skills and be familiar with QuickBooks and perform annual tax reporting.

Tournament Director:  Candidates must plan and execute the annual Kingfish Tournament.  Planning includes recruiting sponsors and volunteers to support this fundraising event.

Membership Director:  Candidates must promote membership and maintain a data base of members.

Director of Online Sales and Merchandise:  Candidates must manage website store sales.

Director of Local Fishing Information:  Candidates must communicate with local fishermen, collect information pertinent to fishing successes and issues supporting reef development decisions.

Director of Artificial Reef Plans and Construction: Candidates must plan reef construction, execute project administrative actions and supervise reef construction. Also, be able accomplish reef monitoring and reporting by diving with video and photographic equipment.

Director of Memorial Reef Program: Candidates must communicate with people requesting memorial reefs, coordinate arrangements, and collect donations.

For inquiries or nomination considerations, please contact MBARA President Bob Cox at mexicobeachreefs@gmail.com or call 850-527-6306 by no later than Jan. 3, 2022.