For additional information on Johnson's seagrass:
www.nmfs.gov/prot_res/other/johnsons.html

www.saltwatersportsman.com/news/fishing/990428.7.html

http://caldera.sero.nmfs.gov/protect/jsg_fact.htm

Seagrass protection in question
The Tribune, Friday, December 17, 1999, Pg B1
by Mark Pollio, Tribune Staff Writer
used with permission, © 1999, The Tribune

WEST PALM BEACH - A special protection designation for a threatened seagrass may be sunk if National Marine Fisheries officials listen to the line of people who spoke out against the idea at a meeting Thursday night.

Johnson's seagrass beds coat the bottom of inland waterways from Sebastian Inlet to Biscayne Bay. It has not been found anywhere else in the world. The one-inch tall grass acts as an incubator for dozens of marine creatures. It is also a popular food for manatees.

This is the second attempt by the NMFS to get approval for a special designation that will provide the seagrass additional. protection. This one type of grass, named after Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Founder Seward Johnson, was listed on the threatened species federal register earlier this year.

"The idea here is to provide extra conservation for this species," said Layne Bolen, National Marine Fisheries Services spokeswoman. "The designation will allow us early consultation on projects that may damage the seagrass so we can minimize or avoid negative impacts on the seagrass."

There are 10 locations being considered for special designation. Two of the 10 are in St. Lucie County. A 4.2-acre parcel of the Indian River Lagoon just inside the Fort Pierce Inlet is rich with the threatened species. A 2,700-acre tract of land in the lagoon south of Nettles Island is also full of Halophila johnsonii.

Florida Inland Navigational District Executive Director David Roach spoke against the designation. He argued the designation would restrict his organization's ability to do its job of maintaining the waterway for boating use.

"The research is not definitive," Roach said. "There is a potential impact of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs."

Palm Beach County Deputy County Administrator Patrick Miller echoed Roach's thought. He argued that this special designation will restrict other projects already on the drawing board designed to improve water quality in areas where seagrasses exist.

"The overall lagoon and waterway is at a stage of change," Miller said. "This designation would delay work that can help the seagrass." 

Even Florida Oceanographic Society Director Mark Perry said the timing is not right for the designation. Perry said more research needs to be conducted on all seagrasses before one species receives the additional protection.

"I think the designation is real limiting," Perry said. "This seagrass may need some protection, but it already has some as a threatened species."

A decision by the NMFS on the designation is expected by early 2000.