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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element citrus greening host plants, except as may be planted by government institutions or research centers conducting scientific research on control of agricultural diseases. In the future, the County should continue its policy of prohibiting the planting of agricultural disease host plants, with the caveat that such prohibition would "sunset" if, at sometime in the future, an identified host plant is no longer deemed a threat to citrus production. Currently, Indian River County allows, but does not require, removal of citrus trees from unmaintained groves. While citrus trees in declining health in unmaintained groves have the potential of harboring agricultural diseases to the detriment of active citrus groves in the region, it would be over -reaching and impractical for the County to mandate that all unmaintained groves be cleared of trees to prevent the potential harboring of agricultural pests and diseases. Instead, the County should continue to allow (but not require) the removal of such citrus trees and rely on state agricultural regulations to address any potential diseases or pests associated with unmaintained groves. • Commercial Fisheries Comparison of 1996 and 2006 data indicates a 32% drop in commercial finfish catch in the county, from 1,236,473 pounds to 841,774 pounds. In 1996, the annual shellfish harvest in the county was 85,253 pounds. By 2006, the annual shellfish harvest was down to 9,638 pounds. These decreases may be due to a number of factors. In 1995, the state imposed a net ban that has resulted in a decline in commercial fish landings statewide over the years. Another factor is a decline in "working waterfronts" in the county, particularly in the City of Sebastian, which is the hub of commercial fishing in the county. In Sebastian, several commercial fish houses have been converted to private marinas. Also, hurricanes in 2004 caused damage to riverfront businesses, including the Archie Smith Fish House, which closed due to storm damage. The decline in working waterfronts is a statewide issue. Because of that decline, the 2008 State Legislature created "The Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts" Florida Forever grant program to preserve and restore commercial fishery businesses. To fund the program, the Legislature provided 2.5% of the total Florida Forever program distribution. In 2007, the County acquired the Archie Smith Fish House under the County's environmental lands program, with plans to restore the fish house as a visitor center and "demonstration" working waterfront. In the future, the County should seek grant funding for restoration of the fish house. Sand Mining In Indian River County, the predominant use of sand is for construction purposes. This includes fill related to building construction in low lying areas and fill for septic tank absorption fields. As public Community Development Department Indian River County 114