Category Archives: South Atlantic
Shrimpers with chainsaws: Local commercial fishermen carry on after Hurricane Matthew
October is supposed to be a month for prime Lowcountry seafood but this month, Hurricane Matthew had other plans. The Category 2 storm put local seafood production on hold. The storm hit Beaufort County just a week after the start of the oyster season and in the middle of shrimp season. But not to worry. Most local fishermen stayed with their vessels through the storm and — with the resilience the trade has always required — are making their way to recovery. “A chainsaw becomes necessary equipment on a shrimp boat now,” Reeves said. “Anything you can imagine, we see: pilings, lawn chairs, refrigerators. Cutting through can be difficult and very costly.” The long-term impact on local shrimp populations is also still not clear, local shrimpers say. Read the story here 14:01
S.C. couple rode out Matthew on their shrimp boat
Richard Billington, who was aware of the storm and had taken special precautions with his boat, Village Lady, said the couple did not have cell phone service and they had lost power so they weren’t sure where the storm was. Unbeknownst to them, the hurricane was aiming for a landfall near McClellanville, the same spot where Hurricane Hugo made landfall in 1989 with a 20-foot storm surge and devastating consequences. “We came down here to make coffee and cook breakfast and all of a sudden the storm surge came in and we couldn’t get off,” he said. “The most amazing thing was right during the worst of it, I looked across the creek at a dock and there was about 20 seagulls with 95 to 110 mph winds blowing and the seagulls were still holding onto the dock,” he said. He also noticed an army of bugs coming out of the water and climbing onto the pilings. Read the story here 08:33
Fundraiser hopes to keep F/V Lady Bernice shrimp trawler working after Hurricane Matthew
The Lady Bernice shrimp trawler was set free Monday after Hurricane Matthew wedged the 80-ton shrimp boat in the mud of Hilton Head Island’s Skull Creek. But all is still not well with the Lady. There was other damage that may risk the future of one of the few shrimp boats still working near Hilton Head. After the boat was freed, longtime shrimp boat captain Charles Abner discovered that his trawler lost all electronics and that the radar system needed to navigate on the boat was damaged. The boat also suffered a broken propeller, shattered window and cosmetic damages to its side. Capt. Abner hopes the boat is still able to go on short shrimping trips, but knows it would be unsafe to go out longer. “I still fully intend to go out shrimping on Thursday,” Capt. Abner said. “We’ll see if it works then.” Read the story here To donate to help keep the “Lady Bernice” runnning, go to the “Save Lady Bernice” page at GoFundMe.com. 07:59
Oceana bites back at proposed rule for US dusky shark conservation
U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration have released a proposal addressing the chronic overfishing of dusky sharks in U.S. waters. But suggested rule comes up short on its objective, according to marine conservation group Oceana. Oceana, which sued the federal government in 2015 in a challenge to its policies on dusky sharks, has deemed the proposed rule as “grossly inadequate,” and charged that that the National Marine Fisheries Service fails to offer measurable means to stop dusky shark decline and facilitate the species’ recovery. Over the past two decades, dusky shark populations across the Atlantic and Gulf coasts have dropped by 65 percent as a result of bycatch and overfishing, said Oceana. Because the species is slow to grow and reproduces at low rates, recent studies suggest that the population would need between 70 and 180 years to recover. Read the story here 12:06
Opinion: Stop the Obama administration from destroying our coastal economy
The Obama Administration is very close to unleashing an underwater sonic boom attack off our Atlantic Coast, including South Carolina’s. You probably have two immediate questions. What am I talking about? And why should you care? First, a sonic boom is how Richard Viso, a professor in the Coastal Environment School at Coastal Carolina University, describes seismic testing. Seismic testing is a highly dangerous process that uses intense airgun blasting to send extremely loud sound waves miles below the seafloor in a hunt for oil deposits. One seismic testing vessel can tow up to 96 airguns, which can cover an area 21 times larger than the National Mall in Washington. These sonic booms, which can be heard for thousands of miles underwater, are repeated every 10 to 12 seconds, creating one of the loudest noises in the oceans. Seismic testing under just one lease can go on for up to an entire year. The Obama Administration’s Department of Interior is set to issue up to 9 seismic testing permits because oil companies don’t share information. Read the story here 11:37
$300,000+ of Marijuana Seized ‘Floating off the Shore’ of Florida over 27 Days
In a span of 27 days, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, recorded the seizure of nearly 400 pounds of marijuana found floating off the coast of Florida. Between September 15 and October 12 fifteen separate drug seizure events have occurred in various parts of the Florida Keys and East Florida coastline, explained CBP in a press release. “There has been a significant spike in drugs washing up on shore,” said U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector Division Chief, Todd Bryant. “This is at least partially attributable to improved partnerships across the state but potentially also to a shift in smuggling methods.” The drugs seized in that 27 day span reportedly have a street value of more than $300-thousand. Link 20:26
Coast Guard battles to reopen Georgia ports after hurricane Matthew
When Hurricane Matthew hit the Georgia coastline over the weekend, high winds damaged navigational signs and buoys, shutting down the state’s busiest ports. Now, the Coast Guard is working to reopen ports in Savannah and Brunswick. Tuesday, the Coast Guard was battling through damage to navigational aids, infrastructure and vessels along the waterways. Before the ports can reopen, they’ll have to fix 50 navigational aids and several major navigational buoys that were damaged, destroyed or moved by the storm. Ten boat crews from Georgia, Florida and South Carolina are leading the efforts in repairing these aids.Two 225-foot Seagoing Buoy Tenders, the Cutter Anvil from Miami and the Cutter Cypress from Pensacola are also headed to Savannah to help recovery efforts. Images, Read the rest here 14:04
Fishing Industry faces tough times – Sam Parisi
US Fishermen from all over are feeling the effects of NOAA and conservation groups that are making it very difficult for our fishing fleets on every coast. Every day there is anther obstacle for our fishermen, the most recent on the East Coast. President Obama has designated a large area of Cape Cod, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. I fished those waters back in the late 60,s for whiting and lobster. Fishermen depend on those deep waters for lobsters. Although the President, after up roars from the lobstermen, has given them seven years to vacate, in the end those lobstermen will lose their rich grounds. When does it end? Every day some one else comes up with a brain storm and there are so many people out there that no idea of the effect, but think it is a good idea to protect whatever, not thinking of the harm to our fishermen. I believe the deck is stacked and our fishermen do not stand a chance to exist. We need help from our political leaders. I have heard over and over “we will help”, with good intentions but the fact remains NOAA holds all the cards. We have no say. We need political leader’s that will stand up to NOAA on our behalf, and follow through. We need help now. Here are the basic problems that need attention. Language written into MSA that would unlock the ironclad grip NOAA has on the “best available science” and accept other independent scientific data. SK Grant money needs to be removed from NOAA. Senator Sullivan of Alaska has such a bill pending and finally our fishermen should not have to pay for monitoring that is NOAA’s responsibility. Thanks for listing. Sam Parisi, Proud to be a fishermen. 19:24
Oct 8, 20:00 Hurricane Matthew – Center now east of Cape Fear, record breaking flooding developing over eastern N.C.
At 800 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew waslocated near latitude 33.8 North, longitude 77.3 West. Matthew is moving toward the east-northeast near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue tonight and early Sunday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will be near the coast of southern North Carolina by this evening. Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. While Matthew is expected to remain near hurricane strength while the center is near the North Carolina coast, the system could become a post-tropical cyclone later tonight or on Sunday. STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge, the tide, and large and destructive waves will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide… Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, to Duck, North Carolina, including portions of the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds…3 to 5 ft Read the update here 20:18
Oct 8, 0800 Hurricane Matthew – strong winds and dangerous storm serge affecting coast of South Carolina
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew was located by NOAA Doppler weather radars, and an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft, near latitude 32.5 North, longitude 79.8 West. Matthew is moving toward the northeast near 12 mph (19 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue today. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will continue to move near or over the coast of South Carolina today, and be near the coast of southern North Carolina by tonight. Reports from the reconnaissance aircraft indicate that maximum
sustained winds have decreased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. Although weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to remain a hurricane while the center is near the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Read the update here 08:33
Oct 7, 20:00 EYE OF HURRICANE MATTHEW MOVING NORTHWARD OFF THE COASTS OF GEORGIA AND NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA
At 800 PM EDT (0000 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located near latitude 30.7 North, longitude 80.6 West. Matthew is moving toward the north near 12 mph (19 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue tonight. A turn toward toward the north-northeast and then to the northeast is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will continue to move near or over the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia through tonight, and near or over the coast of South Carolina on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Although weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to remain a hurricane until it begins to move away from the southeastern United States on Sunday. Read the update here 20:23
Oct 7 0500 – HURRICANE MATTHEW MOVING PARALLEL TO AND JUST OFFSHORE OF THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA
At 500 AM EDT (0900 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located by NOAA Doppler weather radars and an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 28.2 North, longitude 80.0 West. Matthew is moving toward the north-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the north is expected tonight or Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will be moving near or over the east coast of the Florida peninsula through tonight, and near or over the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Matthew is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, Matthew is expected to be a category 3 hurricane as it moves near the coast of Florida today. Read the update here 07:30
Stay, or Go. McClellanville Fishermen face tough decision as Hurricane Matthew approaches
Hurricane Hugo just devastated the sleepy fishing village of McClellanville, but they rebuilt and started fishing again. The community has since weathered several storms. As Hurricane Matthew approaches, fishermen have some of the toughest decisions to make. “I have a house but i stay on my boat,” said shrimp boat captain Timmy Glines. “I don’t have insurance, a lot of money invested and i don’t want to lose it.” Glines will stay but he knows the destruction Hugo caused firsthand “It was very scary,” Glines said. “I don’t want to do it again, ever ever. This is just a bit less, if it was 150 mph, I’d get out of here.” The big question for the captains here– should I stay or should I go. The docks in McClellanville look like the back of an entertainment center — boats and ropes tied up so tightly — some captains staying, others will go. Video, Read the story here 06:57
Oct 6, 2016 17:00 EDT – Hurricane Matthew Approaching the Southeast U.S. Coast
The Latest on Hurricane Matthew 0:500 EDT THU OCT 06 2016
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: The Hurricane Warning has been extended northward to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, and the Hurricane Watch has been extended northward to South Santee River, South Carolina. At 500 AM EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew was located near latitude 24.2 North, longitude 77.1 West. Matthew is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue today. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected tonight. On the forecast track, the eye of Matthew should pass near Andros Island and New Providence in the northwestern Bahamas early this morning, then pass near Grand Bahama Island late today, and move very close to the east coast of the Florida peninsula tonight through Friday night. Read the advisory here 07:18 Be prepared.
The Latest BULLETIN HURRICANE MATTHEW – 800 AM EDT WED OCT 05 2016
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Hurricane Matthew was located near latitude 21.5 North, longitude 74.9 West. Matthew is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). This motion is expected to continue today, followed by a northwestward turn tonight. On this track, Matthew will be moving across the Bahamas through Thursday, and is expected to be very near the east coast of Florida by Thursday evening. Read the update here You can reach the National Weather Service by scrolling down the page and clicking on the NWS icon. 08:34
Hurricane Matthew Warnings Shift Toward Florida, Gov. Rick Scott declares a State of Emergency
At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Matthew was located inland Haiti near latitude 18.4 North, longitude 74.2 West. Matthew made landfall near Les Anglais about 700 AM EDT (1100 UTC). The hurricane is moving toward the north near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue today. On this track the eye of Matthew will be back over water in the Gulf of Gonave in the next hour or so, and then move over the Windward Passage later this morning. A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night. Read the rest here The alert warns that Matthew is expected to make a northwestern turn on Wednesday — and that hurricane-force winds are expected to reach up to 40 miles out from the eye of the storm. Meteorologists say Matthew is currently gusting 140 mph winds near its eye wall. Just before the warning was issued, Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in every county in Florida 09:41
Oops. Shrimp boat raises Holy Hell at the St. Simons Island pier!
A shrimp boat out of South Carolina apparently tried to stop at the St. Simons Island pier late Saturday afternoon to sell shrimp, but the sales pitch didn’t go as planned. The boat is called the High Tide, and was registered out of Hilton Head Island, S.C. The boat got its nets tangled in the railing and caused damage to the western tip of the structure. Shark fisherman Jacob Key said the shrimp boat stopped on the eastern tip of the pier, and the shrimper began handing over buckets of shrimp to a woman he knew on the pier, with plans to sell them to the anglers and sightseers there. But this caused a commotion with the anglers’ fishing lines, and the boat relocated to the south tip of the T-shaped pier. The boat was on the shore side of the pier on the western tip when its net became entangled in a light post. The trawler booms were down and the net and boom tore down several yards of railing, two light posts and a new fish-cleaning table. Read the rest here 18:25
Baseball mourns Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez – Killed with two others in boating tragedy
Jose Fernandez escaped from Cuba by boat on his fourth try as a teenager, and when his mother fell into the Yucatan Channel during the journey, he jumped in and pulled her out. Fernandez’s heroic backstory made his death early Sunday that much more heart-wrenching. The charismatic Miami Marlins ace was killed in a boating accident at age 24. Fernandez and two other people died when their 32-foot vessel slammed into a jetty off Miami Beach, authorities said. Authorities didn’t know the time of the crash. The capsized boat was found shortly after 3 a.m. “It does appear that speed was involved due to the impact and the severity of it,” Veloz said. “It does appear to be that they were coming at full speed when they encountered the jetty, and the accident happened.” The boat was owned by a friend of Fernandez. Read the story here 17:46:17
Fisherman names his newborn son Andrew after the shrimp boat and crew that saved his life
A Murrells Inlet fisherman, who was pulled from the Atlantic Ocean by a nearby shrimp boat when his vessel capsized, became a new father Friday. And just as he promised, Adam Wiseman named his son, Andrew, after the crew that saved his life. “Baby Andrew made his entrance today weighing 10 pounds, 3 ounces,” Wiseman said on Friday. “True to my word (I) named (him) after a shrimp boat!” Wiseman and Cooper didn’t have time to call for help, but the Captain Andrew – Georgetown’s oldest wooden hull shrimp boat, still in service after 48 years – was shrimping nearby when Wiseman’s boat went under. Crew members saw Wiseman swimming for a floating ice box and set out to save the sinking vessel and its men. Baby Andrew came into the world at 7:41 a.m. on Friday. Ten fingers. Ten toes. Big smiles on a lot of faces. Read the story here 14:03
Feds Reach Deal To Protect Sea Turtles From Shrimpers
A D.C. federal judge on Friday stayed a lawsuit filed by a conservation group accusing the U.S. Department of Commerce of not doing enough to protect endangered sea turtles from shrimp fishing operations off the southeastern U.S. coast, after the government agreed to propose a rule to help fix the problem. Judge Paul L. Friedman signed an order staying the case after the U.S. Fisheries Service and conservation group Oceana Inc. agreed to a turtle excluder device, or TED, rule that requires expanded use of the devices that feature trap doors allowing most turtles caught in trawling nets to escape unharmed. The TED rule also places greater limits on the amount of time the shrimp boats can drag their nets. Under the terms of the agreement, if the stay is lifted and litigation recommences, Oceana will move for summary judgment within 45 days and the Fisheries Service will cross-move for summary judgment no later than 45 days after Oceana has filed its motion, Judge Friedman ruled. Read the rest here 10:14
F/V Captain Andrew rescues two fishermen and their sunken boat from the sea
The Captain Andrew is Georgetown’s oldest wooden hull shrimp boat was built in 1968. It has combed the waters ever since and on Saturday morning, the crew caught one of its greatest catches – rescuing two fishermen from the sea and their boat from the bottom of the ocean floor. Adam Wiseman was fishing with his friend, Troy Cooper, in the Atlantic Ocean near the North Santee Bay off South Carolina on Saturday morning when an ice box caused his boat’s weight to shift. The boat flipped. And within seconds, Wiseman was in the water along with a school of hungry sharks and the 300 pounds of jellyfish they had on board their craft before it capsized. “It was less than five seconds,” Wiseman said. “We didn’t have time to make a radio call. We didn’t have time for anything.” The Captain Andrew was shrimping nearby when crew members saw Wiseman swimming for the ice box. The crew picked up its nets and set out to save the sinking vessel and its men. Read the story here 11:49
Former shrimp boat captain helps preserve the industry’s history
In 81 years, St. Augustine resident James Edwin “Ed” Long has witnessed a lot of change in his hometown. From 1951 until the 1990s, Long worked in the shrimping and shrimp boat building industry. Today, he is a keeper of that industry’s history and has worked long and hard to make sure it has received proper attention for its financial, global and community contributions. Thanks to Long’s efforts, future generations can experience this chapter in St. Augustine history. Long saved thousands of photos, boat models, stories and other ephemera, now preserved in the collections of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and part of an exhibit on the history of shrimping. Read the rest here with 15 images 18:33
Murrells Inlet fundraiser set for Lost at Sea Memorial Saturday, Sept. 10th
People who would like to support the Lost at Sea Memorial in Murrells Inlet will gather at the Big Beaver Bar for a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 10. The event, which will features food, live music, raffles, door prizes and a silent auction, will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is a suggested $10 donation. “This is a benefit to help the memorial and continue adding names as necessary,” said event organizer Gary Pew. “It is for a good local cause.” The Lost at Sea Memorial is located at Morse Park Landing in Murrells Inlet. He said he attended the last Lost at Sea Memorial service held in April with a friend who lost her son at sea. He found out that more funds are needed to maintain the monument and add names each year. According to the Lost at Sea Memorial website, it was established in April of 2005 by the family of Johnny W. Brown. He was a native of Horry County and a commercial fisherman out of Murrells Inlet. Read the story here 13:33
FWC nabs lobster poaching brothers in the Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary
Two commercial fishermen — brothers from Homestead — with a history of fisheries violations were nabbed by state wildlife officers Sunday afternoon poaching lobster in the Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary. And after this incident, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may keep their boat, said FWC spokesman Bobby Dube. The case began on Saturday when officers spotted the 17-foot bully net-style boat suspiciously in deep water, said FWC Capt. David Dipre. That spurred an undercover investigation, Dube said. On Sunday, officers watched the boat near Little Angelfish Creek in North Key Largo and saw Javier Morales-Molina, 39, diving in the water, Dube said. His brother, Alfredo Morales-Molina, 41, was in the boat. Those officers called for a marked patrol boat to stop the brothers, Dube said. Read the story here 14:05
National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Hermine Projected Path Update 8 AM
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida issued a Public Advisory at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, September 2, 2016, for Tropical Storm Hermine that made landfall on Florida and now threatens the U.S. east coast. A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for the United States east coast from Duck, North Carolina to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, including Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point southward and southern Delaware Bay. Interests along the United States northeast coast should monitor the progress of this tropical cyclone. Projected Path Tropical Storm Hermine is located about 120 miles west-southwest of Savannah Georgia, and is moving to the north-northeast at 14 mph. NHC forecasters believe that the tropical cyclone will continue north-northeastward through Friday and Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Tropical Storm Hermine will move across southeastern Georgia today, move across the coastal Carolinas tonight and move offshore of the North Carolina coast on Saturday. Link 12:07
Florida and Hawaii brace as hurricane season hastens
Florida braces for life-threatening floods and fierce winds as Hawaii’s Big Island stares down the barrel of an encroaching hurricane. Forecasters issued a tropical storm warning on Wednesday for the Florida Gulf Coast. National Hurricane Center: ”Persons located within these areas should be prepared to take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water.” Florida Governor Rick Scott: Flooding, storm surge, fierce winds and tornadoes were all threats to the region. Could make landfall on Florida’s north-central Gulf Coast on Thursday. Resident on Hawaii’s Big Island warned of an encroaching hurricane expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains. National Weather Service (NWS): Hurricane Madeline [CAT 1] swirling about 235 miles (380 km), forecast to “pass dangerously close” on Wednesday. County of Hawaii: “Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by nightfall today.” Read the latest here 15:27
S.C. police body cam funds go to all — including oyster officers
After a bystander’s video last year showed a white North Charleston police officer shooting and killing a fleeing, unarmed black man, widespread outrage spurred South Carolina lawmakers to vote in favor of police body cameras, and to come up with $5.8 million to pay for cameras and data storage. Among the top recipients of the limited cash is the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. Its $135,100 grant will outfit its 32 armed officers in the divisions of drug control, shellfish monitoring and investigating environmental crimes such as illegal dumping, said agency spokesman Robert Yanity. State Sen. Greg Hembree said he knows “it seems funny” to put cameras on the officers who oversee shellfish harvesting. Read the story here 10:39
Born and bred lobstermen know how to hustle
On summer break, the alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m., and two Key West High School soon-to-be sophomores open their eyes. Cousins Demi Stiglitz and Peder Bidonne, both 15, brush their teeth, put on a little deodorant and climb into dad Richie Stiglitz’s truck. From there, they sleep for the 30-minute ride to Marathon from their Sugarloaf house, hope dad stops for quick breakfast from The Stuffed Pig, and by 5:30 a.m. they are fishing. “We’ve been on-and-popping since we were 12 years old,” said Demi, while sitting at the dinner table covered in fresh fried grouper after a long day on the boat. “Straight saving money.” The two are saving their money from their 500 lobster traps and 800 crab traps to buy their own boat. Read the rest here 09:07
The Science Suggests a Marine Reserve Zone Won’t Save Biscayne’s Reefs
As many of you know, I have been proud to help lead a bipartisan group of Florida’s Congressional leaders, including Democrats like Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Gwen Graham, and Republicans like Sen. Rubio and Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Mario Diaz-Balart to ensure that Biscayne National Park utilizes the best science to conserve its environmental treasures while preserving our community’s right to access and enjoy all that Biscayne has to offer. In fact, the statutory language that created the National Park Service (NPS) – the Organic Act of 1916 – is still in force today and mandates just that! The NPS, by law, must conserve the nation’s natural resources and promote the public’s use and enjoyment of those resources. The Marine Reserve Zone proposed for Biscayne National Park that would eliminate fishing in more than 10,500 acres of prime reef fishing habitat with the goal of protecting Biscayne’s vulnerable coral reefs violates not only the spirit of the Organic Act, but also fails to use the best science to design and implement successful coral reef conservation strategies. Read the rest here 14:52
