I. SUMMARY OF CCA FLORIDA RECOMMENDATIONS BY SPECIFIC AREA

There is no manatee crisis in Tampa Bay. FWC data regarding population counts and mortalities in the three county area clearly shows that existing state, federal and local manatee protection programs are a success and major new zones are unnecessary (see attachment A). The SW Florida region is the only region where there are questions as to whether manatee populations are achieving the FWC measurable biological goals for recovery. However, it is clear from Attachment A that the Tampa Bay area is not a part of any problem which may exist. The position that existing zones are providing the needed protection is essentially the position adopted by the Local Rule Review Committee which rejected most of the original FWC staff recommendations.

Manatee County was the only area where the Local Committee supported significant additional regulations. The County was in the process of replacing an existing, difficult to enforce ordinance with more specific zones. The Local Committee urged the FWC to work cooperatively with the County to gain local support and an acceptable County ordinance.

III. SPECIFIC COMMENTS

Bishops Harbor is one of the best fishing areas in Tampa Bay. There has never been a watercraft mortality ever recovered in the area and there is no justification for the proposed extreme restriction of slow speed year round. We urge the Commission to reject the current staff recommendation and work with angling groups and Manatee County to develop a zone which provides reasonable access for saltwater anglers, like the one developed for Turtle Bay in Charlotte Harbor.

The staff recommendation for Anna Maria Sound funnels all, and substantial, boating traffic into one channel. Other channels used by boaters, which are maintained in the County Plan, are eliminated in the FWC Plan. The FWC data provided to the Local Committee shows that there has never been a watercraft mortality recovered in this area of Anna Maria Sound area. There is no justification for eliminating all but on entrance channel and creating major boating congestion, safety and conflict problems.

There are substantial local, state and federal zones already in place which protect manatees in Tampa Bay. The Commission should examine the new, proposed zones in the context of all the existing zones before decisions are made on the proposed zones.

Prepared by CCA Florida
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