Since Brian Malmberg has been Assistant County Administrator, he says that the county has aimed to get a reef project done every couple of years. Last month Mr. Malmberg spoke about the reef projects that were recently approved by the commission for funding through the RESTORE Act. Now, the Port Authority recommends establishing a zone for conservation and habitat restoration off the coast of Hernando Beach.
Steve Barton with the Port Authority has been working to get the permitting done for a shallow reef project for the last two years. He explained that it takes 6 months for the Florida DEP to approve the project and then it is sent to several other agencies for approval each taking another 6 months for evaluation. The shallow reef project he is currently working on is still awaiting the National Marine Fisheries input to Army Corp and it will take another 6 months to get a permit through.
Mr. Barton is now seeking a second shallow reef permit and a first oyster bar habitat restoration permit. Bringing oyster habitats to Hernando Beach could lead to the development of an oyster harvesting industry and provide tourism opportunities.
In the process of seeking these permits, Mr. Barton was advised by the Army Corp that establishing a special management zone will streamline the permitting process by eliminating multi-agency evaluations for each permit request. The zone would be 100 square miles. Barton estimated that it would take a year to get the zone approved, but this would pave the way for all future reef construction projects.
Commissioner Holcomb asked Mr. Barton if there would be any unintended consequences from establishing this zone in terms of commercial fishing or recreational boating. Mr. Barton said that there will be no commercial fishing or recreational boating restrictions. It would be up to the commission to decide to establish a ΒΌ acre restoration zone for snorkeling which would prohibit fishing. Mr. Barton explained that this project aims to increase commercial fishing opportunities by creating habitats for fish populations to grow.
Commissioner Adkins asked about whether the protected areas of seagrass would be affected. Mr. Malmberg explained that those areas will not be utilized in reef construction. They are finding areas devoid of seagrass to build the artificial habitat.
Mr. Keith Colossa of SCUBAnauts International told the commission that they are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the county on this project which will promote education, recreation, research and tourism. Mr. Colossa stated this project will provide good access to shallow water reefs which would be located 6 to 8 miles offshore.
SCUBAnauts International is a youth volunteer organization led by leading marine scientists. They perform underwater science research through modern coral reef monitoring and data collection techniques and procedures. The organization was established in 2001 by CAPT David Olson to introduce young men and women, ages 12-18, to informal science education through underwater exploration.
Mr. Colossa explained that common fish species would become more abundant including red grouper, cocoa damselfish, hog snapper, mangrove snapper, white grunt and spotted pin fish. Pelagic species will use reef modules for foraging such as cobia, common jack, florida pompano and spanish mackerel. Native corals such as lesser starlet, massive starlet, knobby star, rose coral could grow on reef balls. Mr. Colossa explained that corals thrive on structures that get them up above the sea floor. Sponges such as the giant barrel and vase sponges will also grow on the reef balls.
Establishing the conservation zone will require working closely with the University of Florida Conservation Clinic Law School and the UF Fisheries Seagrant program. The Seagrant program would like to make a presentation to the county to propose a feasibility study which would entail negotiating the details with permitting agencies.
UF Fisheries Seagrant program will need a person to act as a liaison between UF and the county. UF said that they would be willing to pay 80% of the salary and it is possible to split the position between two counties if there are funding issues. Funding sources for the project remain to be identified if warranted by the BOCC. No action by the board on this matter was required at the February 24th meeting yet all seem to be eager to get this project in motion. Mr. Malmberg will work with Mr. Sossaman to figure out the budgetary details and then bring the matter back to the commission.