SEAGRASS STUDIES & COASTAL ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Unavoidable seagrass impacts resulting from construction of a new boat ramp access to the Indian River Lagoon were mitigated by transplanting the seagrass sediment tubes to an adjacent area.  DRMP was contracted by Brevard County to conduct seagrass monitoring studies as part of the permit conditions.  Our biologists/divers conducted underwater monitoring quadrats to assess seagrass growth changes over time on plots of transplanted seagrass.  Data from the study will be used to assess the viability of seagrass transplantation as a mitigation option. 

 

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DRMP acquired high resolution remote sensing/aerial photography data and developed high resolution maps with standardized methodology. We quantified seagrass acreage & species composition, & other relevant landscape features.  For site assessments, determined seagrass ecological health, document constituents of concern that impact seagrasses such as light, nutrients, and total suspended solids.  Prepared permitting package for design and construction of fishing pier.  Prepared reports, environmental documentation, and coordinated with state and federal agencies (SJRWMD, FDEP, FFWCC, USFWS, ACOE).

 

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The City of Crystal River proposed to deepen the boat access channel to the Hunters Springs Park as part of scheduled improvements to the park.  DRMP biologists/divers conducted underwater transects to photograph and map seagrass bed locations within the project area to determine the degree of impact the resource would incur.  As a result of this effort, DRMP was retained by the City to obtain the necessary permits through FDEP and ACOE to carry the project to completion.

 

Project Photos (click for larger view)