Renowned conservationist and marine life artist Guy Harvey and his daughter, Jessica, who heads the nonprofit Guy Harvey Foundation, were the guest speakers at Monday’s Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting at The Breakers.

The Harveys discussed the work administered by their foundation, which collaborates with local and international organizations to conduct scientific research and host educational programs aimed at better understanding and conserving the ocean environment.

One of those programs is a marine science curriculum that is being rolled out in Florida.

Available through the Discovery Channel, the Fort Lauderdale-based Guy Harvey Foundation website and teacher training programs, the curriculum includes discussions on coral reefs, open ocean fish species, mangroves, near-shore ecosystems, climate change and the effects of pollution, particularly plastic pollution.

The foundation’s work also includes coral reef restoration, stingray surveys, satellite tagging and shark genome research.

“I hope that the foundation can continue to inspire others,” Jessica Harvey told the 500 guests at Monday’s breakfast. “You are here to make a difference. We’d love to work with everybody here to expand the foundation. Florida is obviously our backyard, but I want to expand it globally.”

During Monday’s chamber meeting, Mayor Danielle Moore proclaimed October 23, 2023 as “Dr. Guy Harvey Day” in Palm Beach. The proclamation recognized Harvey’s accomplishments as an artist and conservationist, and his contributions to ocean conservation, education and research.

Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.