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had a jet ski business in Sebastian, and found the liability -to <br />be extreme - skiers were.cut by oyster shells, ran into each <br />other, and would not stay away from the Inlet as required. He <br />felt restricting them to a 114 mile area would be very hard to <br />control and that possibly a better place for this would be in the <br />commercial area. He brought up the possibility of working <br />something out with the Oyster Bay Condo people. <br />R. Grant Gilmore, Research Scientist, presented the <br />following: <br />R. Grant Gilmore <br />Research Scientist <br />Resident Indian River County <br />1815 Hedden Place, Vero Beach 32960 <br />Commissioners: <br />Both Mr. Kevin Healy (of 1541 Shoreland Dr., Vero Beach) and Colonel Roger <br />Cooper (of 336 Live Oak Dr., Pine Island) have discussed with me the plans <br />for a jet ski concession on the north side of the Wabasso Causeway. One of <br />the primary reasons I have been quite interested in this development is that <br />this location was one of my majorA research sites from 1974 to 1981. <br />The results of this research demonstrated that there are two major <br />biological conditions that exist a this site that should be considered for <br />any increase in human use of the area and not just jet ski operations. These <br />are: <br />-More juvenile spotted seatrout, 2Znoscion nebulosus, were captured <br />at this site than at any other of 16 sites between Sebastian and St. Lucie <br />inlets. <br />2. The deeper waters throughout this area and extending northward to <br />the intracoastal waterway are principal spawning sites for the silver perch, <br />Bairdiella chrysoura, and the spotted seatrout. We have isolated these <br />areas for study using hydrophone recordings of male sound production and <br />have found the spawning location to be consistently occupied over multiple <br />annual cycles. <br />Mr. Healy has assured me that he would be operating no more than three jet <br />skis simultaneously within a certain marked course and would seek the sole <br />concession for jet ski operation at the Wabasso Causeway. He certainly has <br />good intentions and has shown concern for regional natural resources, <br />however, I do have reservations regarding any increase in human activity on <br />the water at this location as we now know through advanced technology and <br />research efforts that it has major resource value. <br />I just want those who must make judgements on all anthropomorphic impacts <br />that may take place at this location to be aware of these resource values. <br />Thank you. <br />37. <br />APR °d 1987 Boas <br />