Seagrass S.O.S. in Cockroach Bay

If a National Park was being devastated by 15,000 tire tracks slashing up an ecologically valuable area, we’d put a stop to it. So what are we going to do about our own Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve? Its shallow seagrass meadows are being chewed UP by motor boats which have caused an estimated 15,000 propeller scars. And every day irresponsible boaters do more damage to the magical mud flats and seagrass beds which are crucial to the health of Tampa Bay.

I’ve already posted details about this issue and since then Saturday’s Trib explained it well. (See also the Times.)

Now I just want to remind everyone of the public meeting this week:

This is our chance to discuss and help shape the draft seagrass management plan for Tampa Bay. Proposals include a new “pole & troll zone” and stronger enforcement of current speed zones and other laws.

While everyone can see we have a serious problem, not everyone agrees on the solution. If you care about Cockroach Bay I hope I see you at this meeting so we can work something out to protect this precious piece of Tampa Bay. If you can’t make the meeting, you can send your comments to Barbara Motte, at the Environmental Protection Commission.

A vocal few are opposed to any new regulations in Cockroach Bay, so if the public doesn’t back a plan for better management, nothing will change, and the destruction will continue until this critical marine habitat is obliterated.