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Specific Conditions The current lease agreement between the State of Florida and the United States of America could be modified to 1) remove the submerged lands occupied by AUZ from the refuge. 2) include additional lands occupied by Petes and Birds impoundments, and 3) authorize the refuge to restrict access to Pelican Island. - The AUZ wM occupy about 125 acres within the boundary of the PRMR. Resource surveys of the AUZ were conducted as part of a comprehensive evaluation to determine the impacts of shellfish aquacultural activities. Individual leases will be authorized by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund pursuant to Chapter 253.68-74, Florida Statutes. The sovereignty submerges lana leases win oe aeminimmea by the DEP'S DiYMon or Mantle �urces. In exchange for the 125 acres of submerged lands, the PINWR will assume management of about 150 acres of state-owned lands in Petes and Birds impoundments, as well as some smaller parcels, and authority to restrict access within 125 meters of Pelican Island. Implementation Plan The plan is divided into two primary components. Objective I: Relocate five existing shellfish leases into the AUZ, Objective 11: Designate parcels within the AUZ for shellfish aquaculture for: a) fishery and economic development projects (training and demonstration programs for affected net fishermen) and b) educational projects (I R County School District). Objective I Accomplishing Objective I will facilitate resource management within the PINWR and also offers existing leaseholders a better chance for success. a) Moving leases to the AUZ and away from more sensitive area of the refuge will provide responsible management of shallow areas that support seagrass communities and provide valuable fish and wildlife habitats. b) Moving leases farther away from area used by nesting and roosting bird populations will reduce interaction between people and birds. The plan will also provide greater protection for birds on Pelican Island. c) The proposed exchange of property will give the PR4WR the last parcels that it needs to implement comprehensive resource management of the refuge. Objective H. The County. the PHMR and the DEP felt that the best plan to meet the need for local economic development was to identify a single location that would be suitable for developing a shellfish aquaculture program. The "Aquaculture Use Zone" concept offered the only Practicable opportunity to encourage aquaculture in Indian River County. Although the proposed site is located within the boundaries of the PD WR, the proposed AUZ has been identified as the only suitable site for aquaculture development in Indian River County. Location is the most important element in selecting a site for aquaculmre. The AUZ complies with resource management objectives to minimize or eliminate adverse environmental impacts to fish and wildlife habitat, including seagrass communities, and minimizes conflicts with upland property owners. traditional fisheries, and recreational user groups. AUGUST 19, 1997 am 10 Face � i 43