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r BOOK ME 9 Mr. DeBlois also reviewed highlights of the plan, covered the main points of marina siting zones (see figure 12, page 158 of the backup), and explained that the plan tries to encourage expanding existing marinas and discourage new marinas. He reviewed the issues addressed by MANWAC, namely the Gifford Cut, the Jungle Trail Narrows, other controversial points, and explained the compromises reached. He espoused the value and need for boater education in order to increase public awareness relating to boating in the Indian River Lagoon. He advised that MANWAC had tabled the item about increasing boating registration fees the day before. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Ginn introduced Bill Moody, a member of MANWAC; she believed there was good balance on the committee and they had gone over the plan carefully. She credited that Mr. DeBlois for having done a great job. Bill Moody has used the river for various activities since he was a child. He stated that the committee had worked long (10 years) and hard to be able to present a plan which was "somewhat good for the manatee and somewhat good for the boater." Although initially against the zones because they force congestion, the committee recommended the plan because it is the result of compromise. He stressed the key issue was boater education, they have to know the rules of the river, such as manatee protection, sea grass beds, and narrows in this area. He believed small boats are not the major threat, that there is a need to slow the large boats with open propellers. He stated, for the record, that until education is forced, the manatees' chances in the Indian River Lagoon will not greatly improve. He urged the Board to approve the plan and send it on to Tallahassee. When queried how to educate the boaters, Mr. Moody emphasized that the State needs to be involved because not too much can be done solely on the county level. When a boat is registered, the owner should have to get a (boater) license specific to the area where the boat will be operated. He hoped to see a safe boating class offered to the boaters of this county and would be willing to back it. Chairman Macht asked the County Attorney to see if there is anything that can be done at the local level on mandatory education. Commissioner Stanbridge suggested the recently -formed Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission might promote the licensing/education idea, and Mr. Moody concurred this might be the time to push for it. Commissioner Ginn agreed the idea of boater education was very good and recalled that Brevard County found speed limit signs were also a deterrent. AUGUST 17, 1999 44 I