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Commission reports fewer groundings after buoy deployment; artificial-reef planning advances
Summary
Commissioners said deployed buoys reduced vessel groundings at shoaling areas and reported progress on artificial reef planning, including engagement with shrimpers and local fishing clubs.
Commissioner Mark Hardesty reported to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission on Sept. 10 that safety measures deployed in shoaling areas — notably navigational buoys — appear to be reducing groundings, and he outlined next steps on artificial-reef planning.
Hardesty said the buoys remain in place and that he has “noticed that there are, a lot less groundings,” crediting partners and Captain Suber for the deployment. He said federal agencies have been slow to act on larger shoaling solutions and described the program as in a “bureaucratic standstill” with the Army Corps of Engineers.
On artificial reefs, Hardesty said staff and stakeholders met with shrimpers on Aug. 28 to identify “snags,” or areas shrimpers avoid, within state waters; the data will inform future reef siting and permitting. The commission has approximately 28–29 open permits available for reef projects and is attempting to coordinate a smaller “close-in” reef to be installed during construction of other reef projects.
Hardesty reported active involvement by the Jacksonville Offshore Sport Fishing Club, including fundraising and volunteer coordination. He named Darren Willingham (vice president of the fishing club) and Paul Malone (appointed chair of the club’s artificial reef committee) as active participants. Hardesty said he will continue outreach, noting the club meets the first and third Thursdays monthly in Mayport.
No formal commission votes accompanied the updates; the items were presented as committee reports and next steps for outreach and permitting work.
