INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Oslo Boat Road Boat Ramp Monday night to protest the County Commission’s plan to expand the ramp in a way scientists say will destroy critical fish nurseries, kill seagrass and endanger manatees.
The event launched a petition drive organized by Pelican Island Audubon Society (PIAS) with the aim of convincing commissioners to stop the ecologically destructive million-dollar project.
Audubon and other environmental organizations have fought the ramp expansion successfully for years, but this summer an administrative law judge cleared the way for the county to get one of the permits it needs to proceed with dredging seagrass beds and tearing out mangroves.
“When the judge ruled against us, we heard from many individuals and organizations who were shocked by the decision,” says PIAS President Dr. Richard Baker. “They wanted to know what they can do to stop the project from going forward, so we decided to organize a petition drive.”
A photo of the group gathered at the ramp last night will be part of the petition package.
“Pelican Island Audubon Society, with help from groups including the Power Squadron and the Coastal Conservation Alliance, turned out more than 60 local Lagoon-lovers today for a photoshoot at the Oslo Road Boat Ramp to kick off a new petition,” according to PIAS. “The petition, which will be sent to the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, asks them to halt all plans to dredge, fill and pave seagrass and mangrove habitat at the ramp in southern Vero Beach. According to notable scientists including Dr. Grant Gilmore, the Indian River Lagoon’s foremost fish biologist, this specific site provides irreplaceable spawning and nursery habitat for highly-sought after sport fish including snook, sea trout and red drum. It’s also a high-use area for imperiled manatees.”
“We’re just asking the county to do the right thing here,” says Baker. “Why spend $1 million of our local tax dollars expanding a ramp most fishermen don’t even want, when it will destroy one of the most valuable habitats in our Lagoon? The Indian River Lagoon and its wildlife and fisheries are already suffering so much. Our commissioners need to follow the public’s wishes on this and protect this very special place.”
Audubon First Vice President Bob Bruce said his biggest concern is destruction of the aquatic nursery, which Gilmore says is unique in the lagoon for its game fish productivity.
Participants in the photo shoot included Vero Beach Mayor Dick Winger, Ecologist Dr. David Cox and Indian Riverkeeper Marty Baum, along with many Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area volunteers, and members from the Power Squadron, Coastal Conservation Alliance and Treasure Coast Progressive Alliance.
The petition will be available to sign and share on the PIAS website: http://www.pelicanislandaudubon.org/
