Monica Lynn, Founder & Advisory Board

It all started in 2017 when Monica Lynn

began kayaking on the waters of San Carlos Bay.  Thrilled to see wild dolphins frequently, she began to research the best way to observe them.

She soon realized that she and just about everyone else on the water had missed the memo from NOAA(the federal organization in charge of protecting dolphins), on how to respectfully observe them, without interfering with natural dolphin behavior.

With years of experience in animal rescue and advocacy, it was only natural for Monica to direct her efforts to protecting the dolphins she had come to know and love.  Armed with her custom made "Pod Protector" dolphin postcards, replete with NOAA Guidelines printed on the back, she passed them out to everyone she met on the water and was happy to be met with a very favorable response! It seemed that most people truly wanted to protect  dolphins, they just didn't know how.

Monica was invited to speak regularly at the Fort Myers Beach Library by Dr. Leroy Hommerding  and her dolphin advocacy was amplified. She then took her message to Mrs. Cribbs' Beach School Kindergarten class by writing a children's dolphin book for them, A Letter From Clarence O'Malley. Monica was thrilled to see the passion these "beach kids" had  for protecting the future of our local pod and took heart.

Unbeknownst to Monica, Captain Robert Howell, aka "Ranger Rob", and Captains Lauren Swaim & Charles Beite Cook had been actively setting the example on proper boater/dolphin observation on their Dolphin Smart Eco-Tours for years. While out kayaking near her home, Monica overheard their interesting and  educational comments to their passengers and was eager to join forces.  Finally, she found tour guides who put the needs of the pod above an easy photo op or personal profit. She had found her tribe! 

Howell, a Zoologist, and experienced in manatee rescue and rehabilitation is an engaging Interpretive Florida Naturalist and readily connects with his audience. He serves on the Marine Task Force of the Town of Fort Myers Beach. Howell has led both Dolphin Smart(NOAA aprroved)Eco Boat & Kayak Tours and has extensive knowledge of all our local wildlife. An artist as well, he is currently working on a children's book about his time spent rehabilitating and successfully releasing an orphaned manatee calf named Pixie. 

Lauren Swaim brings her invaluable experience with NOAA Fisheries to the team, and is a passionate advocate for our local dolphins, while delivering the message with a ready smile and entertaining time on her Eco-Tours and Sunset Cruises. With a degree in marine biology, Lauren has a gift for delivering a powerful message in a way that resonates with her guests.

There are few people more protective and appreciative of our local pod than Captain Charles Beite Cook. On the water since 1974, we cannot begin to log his boating hours!  An experienced U.S. Sailing Instructor for over 20 years, Beite knows the importance of protecting our dolphins' habitat and educating fellow boaters on the best way to observe them. His years of experience as a NOAA Approved Dolphin Smart Eco-Tour Captain on our local waters enables him to offer practical suggestions on making our waters safer for our pod. 

Together, these four friends serve on the Pod Protectors Board of Advisors, but hope to rally all who love dolphins to join this joyful cause of protecting and enjoying the dolphins of Fort Myers Beach for years to come!

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Pod Protectors of Fort Myers Beach is dedicated to the memory of the late Jeffrey Robert Rice, who fell in love with the waters and wildlife of Fort Myers Beach.