2010-252A (09) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element • Lagoon "Reefs" As gorgonian corals and invertebrate growth attach to hard surfaces such as exposed rock ledges carved from dredged channels, especially the along margins of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), artificial reefs are formed. Other hardened surfaces amenable to reef growth include shipwrecks, pilings, and submerged structures (Woodward -Clyde, 1994). Over 90 species of fish congregate near reefs. Most of these species, such as scorpionfish, cardinalfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish, wrass, and parrotfish, are considered primary reef fish and are generally not found near any of the other previously mentioned communities (Woodward -Clyde, 1994). Nearshore Atlantic System The nearshore system is comprised of two main components: the subtidal zone and the surf zone. The surf zone extends from depths of nine (9) feet below the mean low water line (MLWL) to the MLWL, while the subtidal zone extends from depths of approximately nine (9) feet to twenty-five (25) feet below the MLWL. Off the coast of Indian River County, the surf and subtidal zones are characterized by rock/reef development. These nearshore outcrops/reefs function to stabilize the barrier island shoreline by moderating wave action and providing a hard bottom for marine plants and animals. The rock and reef areas have an abundance of marine life. Attached and encrusting algae are common, and many types of invertebrates such as bryozoans, gorgonians, sponges, and ascidians are present. Other invertebrates include polychaetes, mollusks, crustaceans and echinoderms. Sea turtles also forage the reefs. The Coastal Management Element of this plan provides a more detailed account of the nearshore Atlantic system. At least 255 species of fish have been documented on the nearshore reefs of the County. Of these, more than 75 percent are Caribbean reef fish such as grunts, angelfishes, butterfishes, damselfishes, and wrasses. Fish with commercial and sportfish value, such as several species of snappers and groupers, are also found. • Sebastian Inlet Nearly half of all fish species frequenting the inlet are associated with nearshore Atlantic communities, especially reefs. Species found near the inlet include: sharks, moray eels, snake eels, surgeonfish, butterfish, filefish, and boxfish. Commercial Uses of Natural Resources Indian River County's terrestrial and marine resources are used for commercial purposes in a number of ways. While upland communities, such as rangelands, woodlands and prairies, are used to support Community Development Department Indian River County 69