Agenda

Minutes Packet Return

DEPARTMEN OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Escambia County Central Office Complex 3363 West Park Place Pensacola, FL 32505 MARINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2017


1.				Call to Order - Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM

2.				Attendance - Quorum present * New FWC Law Enforcement Captain Philip Glover was introduced to the Marine Advisory Committee and public in attendance.

3.				Minutes Approval - Minutes from the August 2017 meeting were verbally read and approved by the MAC (with additions from the MAC members).

4.				Diving Safety and Emergency Response - No update. Remove from agenda.

5.				10836 Lillian Highway Public Boat Ramp *MRD Update: Permit application has been submitted to Army Corps of Engineers. Consultant is developing permit application to Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Although grant timeline is getting tight, we have assurance from consultant that project will be completed before 31 December 2017.

6.				Natural Resources Damage Assessment - Oil Spill Restoration & Recovery - No MRD update

7.				New Inshore Reefs at Pensacola Beach * MRD Update: All permits have been issued for the Casino Beach Snorkeling & Kayak-fishing Reef; funding proposals have been submitted. Permit for Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier Habitat Enhancement has been issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Army Corps of Engineers permit has not been issued.

8.				Proposed No Wake Zones in Bayou Garcon, Bayou Grande, and Innerarity Point Park, etc. * MRD Update: Two additional areas have been requested for establishing Boating Restricted Areas (“No Wake Zones”): Kees Bayou and Old River. (See attached letters). Stakeholders from both areas were in attendance and provided verbal comments. Kees Bayou No Wake Request: Brunie Emmanuel stated that Kees Bayous is very shallow, contains seagrass and has been visited by manatees. Residents are aware of the issues. In recent years non-residents and jet ski traffic has become an issue, damaging the seagrass. The residents of Kees Bayou would like a no wake zone. Dave Mucci asked if the presence of submerged seagrass would have a significant influence on the establishment of a no wake zone. Brunie Emmanuel commented that as much as seagrass is an issue, public safety is the primary concern. Old River No Wake Request: Pat Hudson stated that Shipwatch Condominiums have boat slips and a launch for residents and guests and the wakes of passing vessels are creating a hazard and causing damage to docked vessels. A recent fatality on Old River, partially attributed to high speed elevates the concern. Captain Phillip Glover asked if there were other no wake zones in the area. Robert Turpin stated that there are zones on the Alabama side. Dave Mucci asked if the issue more about speed or large vessels. Steven Watson stated that both are an issue, along with the vessels passing in close proximity to the docks. Dave Mucci commented that plowing upon coming off plane of large vessels would necessitate a large no wake zone. Robert Turpin suggested that other single and multi family residence facilities would also have an interest in the issue. Steven Watson stated that the single family residences in the area had lifts which minimize the issue. Shipwatch does not allow lifts, as the slips are leased, not owned. Dave Mucci asked how no wake zone enforcement was prioritized. Captain Phillip Glover stated that high use and high incident areas are prioritized for enforcement. Isolated areas are usually monitored by the public and FWC responds when called out. Local and recreational vessels usually yield to the signage, as required. Anglers are usually more likely to disregard the signage, as they are rushing to their fishing spot. Any documentation of issues will help support the case for new zones. MRD will obtain additional information from stakeholders, FWC and other entities. MRD will work with FWC to ensure proposals comply with all state and federal requirements. MRD will provide update at 13 November 2017 MAC meeting. Walt Woodfin made the motion: “To incorporated the requested Kees Bayou and Old River no wake zones into the existing list of sites under consideration.” Eilene Beard seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

9.				Comprehensive Waterways Management - No update. Remove from agenda.

10.				Lionfish Issues/Developments - No update

11.				Old Business - None

12.				New Business - None

13.				Adjourn - Walt Woodfin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sidney Clopton seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.