By Capt. Alex Gorichky
T he Lagoons need my help friends! The list of potential threats to this amazing and one-of-a-kind ecosystem is a long one. From fertilizers to septic tanks and flow choking causeways! Of course over my life of playing, boating, fishing, and eating from these waters I’ve seen many changes. Some were/are not all bad; the net ban of the mid 90’s did wonders and continued efforts by “groups” to return unused lands back to the watersheds that supported massive amounts of wildlife for millions of years are great. However, as a lifelong resident of the Space Coast and full-time fishing guide I would be doing a disservice to all of the readers by not stating this: Our rivers/lagoons (Mosquito, Indian, and Banana) are crashing at an alarming rate! This seems to be happening “lagoon’s” wide, and as of writing this not one area has been immune to increased algae blooms, massive Sea-grass loss, and extraordinary numbers of sea life (Fish, Birds, Manatees, Porpoise) have recently perished. The most rapid and stunning decline has taken place over the last five years.
Even though the fishing is holding out; eventually our fish stocks won’t be able to reproduce at the rate needed to sustain heathy levels. Losses of habitat will (IMO) deal the death blow to these lagoons. Sea-grass beds are vital to the survival of all gamefish as they grow. Mangroves offer the same protection, but we all know how many of those got “developed” away. With each earthen causeway(earthen cswy; common in our area the causeway is constructed of “earth” with only a small percentage as bridge to let water flow and boats pass) the Lagoons historic North-South flow has been choked to a stagnate crawl. Without the influence of tides on all three of the Space Coast Lagoons giving the ability to flush! We are left with that historic flow to clean, nourish, and replenish basically being handcuffed. What goes into our Lagoon waters will stay in our Lagoon waters with no hope for escape!
I believe the 60 years or so of continued ecological abuse has effectively pushed us over a tipping point. With little hope that the Lagoon saving “flow” will ever be a reality for us! It would seem insane for anyone to have the idea that another earthen causeway should rip across our Lagoons; Right? Wrong; this is exactly what the Port Authority (Canaveral) is proposing! With their Cargo Rail Line they will be sending another earthen causeway over not just any part of the Lagoon, but over the Federally Protected Manatee Sanctuary on our Banana River Lagoon know by most as the No-Motor- Zone(NMZ). This body of water is the last stronghold of sea-grass in the entre Banana River Lagoon.
Hardly an acre of live grass can be found south of the NMZ, and this area was miles of beautiful grass flats not even 3 years ago. Will the last strong hold be enslaved to the same state by “progress”? Destroying a precious natural resource for but a few railroad jobs, as other parts of our government dish out millions of dollars promoting eco-tourism! WE can and WE should do everything in our power to stop this current plan. 528 corridor is the only option!
How can you help? Write, call, e-mail, tweet, or Facebook any of Brevard’s election officials and let them know what you think. If you’re active on social media please “Like”, “Share”, and “Invite” your friends to the “No Fill No Kill” Facebook page. There you are able to get information on letter writing campaigns, contact info, draft letters, and much more. If you don’t get active; at least understand what is about to happen in our area.
Capt. Alex Gorichky