Officials urge signs and agency coordination after multiple boating incidents near Avery Island rocks

A wildlife and fisheries representative told the council that rocks installed around 2011 near Avery Island have shifted and, as erosion progressed, become submerged at times, creating a navigation hazard that has caused multiple recreational boating incidents.

The official, speaking to council members, said there have been "at least 6 to about 6 or 7 recordable accidents" in the past two years on a roughly two‑mile stretch and described incidents in which boats ran aground and motors were destroyed. He recommended installing state‑compliant reflective diamond danger signs (36‑inch preferred) or lighted buoys and urged the parish to coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard and neighboring parishes. "It's a big safety concern for our citizens," the official said, noting that signs and markings in similar marine environments follow state standards.

Council members discussed temporary measures (lit buoys), potential use of scout/Eagle Scout projects for signage, the costs of barge work and piling installation, and the jurisdictional chain (state permit, Coast Guard, Army Corps). Heath Romero, land manager for Avery Island, and other local stakeholders supported working with neighboring parishes and state agencies. The council asked staff to collect more information, identify other similar hazards parish‑wide, and contact relevant agencies to estimate costs and responsible jurisdictions.

Next steps: Parish administration to contact DNR and the Coast Guard, gather incident reports and map other hazard locations, and return to the council with cost estimates and a proposed implementation plan.