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FEB 12 1986 <br />BOOK 63 PnUF.588 <br />project which is just being completed. The DNR allowed them to <br />use their data before it was published with the understanding <br />that the committee will not present its report to the Commission <br />until after the DNR publishes their data sometime in March. Mr. <br />Fernald emphasized that they now can document clearly that there <br />has been a significant decline in sea grasses in the last 30-40 <br />years, and he did think they can document with pretty good . <br />certainty the major causes. However, all of this is just based <br />on what has been done by researchers to date, and they would like <br />to endorse and pursue additional research, particularly in Indian <br />River County. <br />Commissioner Lyons did not believe Mr. Fernald mentioned <br />that not only has the committee pretty well determined that we <br />are losing sea grass, but that we want to turn this around and go <br />the other direction. Sea grass is a very important habitat, and <br />the productivity of the river is primarily dependent on the size <br />of these beds. <br />Director Thomas agreed and noted that what makes the <br />research so difficult is that there are so many sources that have <br />to be investigated for the possible causes. There are two <br />particular types of losses in which they are interested - one is <br />a complete loss of the grass, and the other, which is even more <br />difficult to research as it requires very detailed physical <br />research, is loss of density of the beds; you cannot determine <br />this just through photography. <br />APPLICATION TO DER FOR GRANT FOR SEAGRASS AND WATER QUALITY STUDY <br />The Board reviewed the following memo, plus letter from <br />Dr. Virnstein presenting the proposed projects: <br />20 <br />E <br />