Aquatic Services Manager Keith Kolasa presented the overview of the new marine program and the sea grant to the BOCC in a recent meeting. According to the Florida Sea Grant website (www.flseagrant.org), the program exists as a partnership between Florida’s local governments, Board of Education, and NOAA. The program utilizes the UF/IFAS Extension offices.
The slideshow presentation showed pictures of marine animals and their environment, taken off the coast of Hernando County. Hernando County has approximately 150,000 acres of pristine seagrass bed fed by the spring fed estuaries and natural marshes.
Kolasa stated several benefits of the program. It will allow the county to document the economic and ecological importance of the county’s natural resources. It will allow the county to participate in management decisions that affect Hernando County’s resources at the federal and state levels. The program will enable the county to develop science-based projects, some in coordination with UF/IFAS. Finally, the county will be able to monitor the success of the program and health of the system, which has been fortunate when compared to other areas of Florida, such as Banana River and Indian River.
The seagrass cover in the waters off Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties is the second largest seagrass area in the United States. Hernando County alone has over 180,000 acres of seagrass beds, compared to Tampa Bay, with only 40,000 acres of seagrass. Kolasa stated the map showed seagrass beds 12 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, but Hernando County’s seagrass extends to 25 miles, further than any other county. This is due to the shallow shelf, which has a fairly consistent water depth, and sediment type, but especially due to the water clarity.
The seagrass filters the water and provides an excellent home for scallops, so the harvest season draws many visitors to the area. Seagrass is a nursery for fish (such as snapper and grouper) as well as shrimp, and is a food source for manatees. One of the largest populations of green sea turtles is found off the coasts of Hernando and Citrus Counties. Kolasa stated a natural limestone outcrop is forms an extensive reef habitat for stone crabs and sponges and is beneficial for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Kolasa explained the three main efforts the program is pursuing. First, they are expanding the offshore reefs, and creating artificial reefs. This includes a plan that will enable the program to seek both federal and state grants. Second, the program will enhance or create habitats such as an oyster reef, living shorelines, and trails for snorkeling and kayak/canoe use. The third focus is to develop a comprehensive habitat and restoration plan in conjunction with the University of Florida and the Sea Grant program.
Kolasa stated that documenting the seagrass and other assets is important in order to know where the restoration projects should occur. Though some data is available, collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and research partners will help them continue learning about the environment off the coast of Hernando County and how to enhance and protect it.
Commissioner Rowden thanked Kolasa for his presentation in early April in Hernando Beach to Senator Bill Nelson in an effort to obtain some federal funds for the program. She also referred to an article from Tampa Bay Times which discussed the restoration project in Tampa Bay and the estimated cost of $11.9 million to restore the seagrass. Rowden asked Kolasa for his opinion of the kinds of activities to limit so that Hernando County does not lose their seagrass beds. Kolasa stated that tracking changes over time is important and monitoring assets is needed. Little is known about seagrass 25 miles into the Gulf.
Dr. J. Stacy Strickland introduced Brittany Hall-Scharf as the Sea Grant Agent who is tasked with working with marine ecosystems. Hall-Scharf is expected to be an asset to the program. She formerly worked for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in the fisheries independent monitoring program in St. Petersburg, and served as adjunct professor at the University of Tampa for biology and environmental science. Initially, she will be working with Kolasa on the oyster beds and the hard bottom habitats as well as the outreach with the University of Florida.
Rowden suggested using property at Hernando Beach to build an education center which could be used for research as well, and asked about any grants that could be used for this. Kolasa stated that Hall-Scharf will be able to help keep them updated on the list of grants that are available. Sossamon explained the process whereby money from the BP oil spill could be accessed and suggested that might be an option to pursue.
Charles Greenwell, government liaison in Hernando Beach, echoed Rowden’s idea of locating an education center in Hernando Beach, and stated the area is a living laboratory. In encouraging businesses to locate in Hernando County, Greenwell cautioned that they should enhance and not destroy the natural resources. This is a concern voiced by residents about opening the man made canals to commercial fishing vessels. He stated that protecting and preserving resources are important in attracting and keeping businesses and new residents, something that is in the power of the BOCC.