8/6/1969 - Laserfiche WebLink

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positioning reef assemblies. Concurrent with the placing of the tires and synthetic seaweed, oysters will be gathered at Port Canaveral and sprinkled into the open spaces designed into the reef's construction. It is the intent to make this a living reef as soon as it is possible and attract lobsters and crabs, And Whereas with the completion of all construction it is planned that the reef is to be set up as a living oceanographic laboratory on the ocean floor. This facility will have corrosion studies on metals and plastics hopefully carrying contributions by the companies whose products would 'be under tests. In cages of adequate sizes would be "selected" specimens of marine life that would be nurtured to a certain stage and then dissected for possible "Drugs From the Sea". In baskets of sand would be planted specimens of our Indian River clams for indications of faster or slower growth that could affect the m.ariculture of the State of Florida. Also, in totally enclosed baskets will be planted scallops and their growth rate observed. Another facet of the reef laboratory will be the off -bottom culture of the Indian River oyster where it can grow and fatten in clean ocean water. Also locked in cages of adequate size will be the young mem- b ers of the food fishes prevalent in the area such as pompano and snapper, And Whereas this could be truly a facility that would enhance the State of Florida's position in Oceanography and Mariculture as well as recreation and would provide a living laboratory for the high school and junior college students of Brevard, Indian River and Orange Counties, And Whereas the study, administration and construction cost is an esti- mated $226, 523. 00 based on the following anticipated expenditures yearly for two (2) years: (See table - next page) AUG 6 1969 1390 12 041,25„.