STM Club is coming to Hillsbourough Co.
 

Sorry for the individual posts, but this is the only way I can cut and paste this BS over to OSO.

SMC Recommendations for Terra Ceia Bay


Save the Manatee Club (SMC) recommends creating marked channels in the following locations in Terra Ceia Bay: 1) extend the current channel leading through Snead Pass to the US 19 bridge at the north end of Terra Ceia Bay; and 2) create a marked channel through Flounder Pass leading from Terra Ceia Bay to Miguel Bay. SMC recommends these channels be regulated 25 mph maximum speed, with the following exceptions: 1) keep the already regulated "slow" speed section of the Snead Pass channel; and 2) extend the "slow" speed of the Snead Pass channel up to the outfall discharge on the southeast side of Terra Ceia Bay. Outside of these channels, and the current marked channel leading into the Bay from the gulf, SMC recommends a regulated speed of "slow". Telemetry data and aerial survey data indicate manatees use Terra Ceia Bay for travel paths and feeding and resting grounds. In addition, the outfall is an attractant. Photo-identification data mimics telemetry and aerial survey data. Since 1990, there have been 6 mortalities in the Bay, including 3 from watercraft (1994, 1998, and 1999). The Bay is small and outside of the channels, the waters are shallow. The proposed marked channel is a natural deep channel, also recommended by the Aquatic Preserve manager. If these additional channels cannot be marked, SMC recommends a regulated "slow" speed outside of marked channels throughout the Bay.

MD:mad: