by lsadmin | Nov 6, 2019 | florida keys environment protection, marine sanctuary
On behalf of the Last Stand, I would like to address the multi-species spawning aggregation site in the vicinity of Western Dry Rocks. We support Alternative 4 which establishes a Western Dry Rocks Conservation Area as a transit only zone.
We realize that it is not practical to protect each and every site along the reef edge where all fish spawn and lobster release their eggs, as that would more than likely include the entire reef line. However, it is practical (and essential) to give special protection to unique areas of the reef line where multiple species aggregate to spawn. The Western Dry Rocks site is such an area and a classic example of what fisheries biologists and managers refer to as a multi-species spawning aggregation site. The only other known multi-species spawning aggregation site protected to date in the Florida Keys is Riley’s Hump in the Tortugas area. That site is completely protected with limited access for research purposes.
Some of the reef fish species documented to spawn at the Western Dry Rocks site are: Black Grouper, spawning year round, with peaks from Dec.-March, Mutton Snapper (May-June); Gray Snapper (July-August), Permit (May-July) ; Hogfish (Feb.-March); and Yellowtail Snapper (April-August). Lobsters release eggs April-June. Other reef fish that have either been observed to spawn at or collected for life history work in spawning condition from the Western Dry Rocks site are Queen, French, Gray and Blue Angelfish, Surgeonfish, and numerous other marine life fish species.
The board of Last Stand is fully aware of arguments brought forth by many that there are other areas of the Florida Keys where commercially- and recreationally-important species such as Mutton Snapper, Gray Snapper, Black Grouper and Permit spawn. However, these are single-species spawning sites and not multi-species spawning aggregation sites such as Western Dry Rocks.
Please note that this list is by no means a complete list of spawning times and all species that spawn at the Western Dry Rocks site.
In conclusion, this list demonstrates why the Western Dry Rocks site is an important multi-species spawning aggregation site which deserves special year-round protection from all fishing, both extractive and catch-and-release.
by lsadmin | Nov 28, 2018 | Affordable Housing, Hurricane Evacuation
Last Stand Opposes 300 New ROGOs for Key West
by lsadmin | Jun 19, 2014 | florida keys, Habitat Preservation, Keys Quality of Life, marine sanctuary, water quality
Part I of V: The Sources and Influence of Water Quality on The Marine Resources of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Speaker: Billy Causey, PhD, NOAA’s Southeast Regional Director. To access all five videos visit us on youtube.
by lsadmin | Apr 9, 2014 | Habitat Preservation, KEYS WATER QUALITY: The Buck Stops Here
Last Stand and the Everglades Law Center invite you to a discussion led by top experts on water quality, hydrology, and coral reefs. Events in Key Largo and Key West. April 16, 6:30-8:30 Key Largo Public Library, April 22, 6:30-8:30 Eco-Discovery Center in Key...
by lsadmin | Jan 25, 2014 | Annual Meeting, Audubon, Everglades, florida keys, Habitat Preservation, Indian River Lagoon
The Last Stand Annual Meeting on January 25th at the Eco-Discovery Center in Key West featured an educational presentation by Tabitha Cale, PhD from Audubon Florida. She discussed the Everglades Restoration and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River estuaries and how...
by lsadmin | Jan 6, 2014 | Keys Quality of Life
Freewheelin' Fridays Freewheelin’ Friday shirts feature dry-wick material in high visibility colors and a whimsical logo. Cost is $18 which includes a small donation to support Last Stand. Call to find out how to get your Freewheelin' Friday...
by lsadmin | Nov 21, 2013 | Key West Channel Dredging
The Florida Department of Transportation commissioned a study to determine what actions would ensure that Florida retains and enhances its longstanding position as the nation’s leading cruise state. Last Stand takes interest in the comments relating...
by lsadmin | Oct 10, 2013 | Key West Channel Dredging
The voters of Key West spoke decisively on October 1st, voting no on the referendum to conduct a channel widening feasibility study. By voting no, Key West will continue to protect the delicate ecological balance of the Florida Keys National...
by lsadmin | Oct 2, 2013 | Habitat Preservation
Deadline for petitions is November 30th! See here for the most current, up-to-date petition. State funds historically allocated to protecting and restoring critical conservation and restoration efforts will run dry unless voters pass the Water and Land...
by lsadmin | Sep 3, 2013 | Key West Channel Dredging
Last Stand is urging all Key West voters to Vote No on the referendum on the October 1, 2013 ballot that would request the Army Corps of Engineers perform a feasibility study of widening the Key West Main Channel by dredging. “We have been studying the...
by lsadmin | Aug 28, 2013 | Key West Channel Dredging
Everyone was invited to learn more about the condition of the coral reef, the Lower Keys fishery and economic impacts of water based tourism from the experts on Thursday August 22nd at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street. The event was sponsored by Last Stand...
by lsadmin | Aug 21, 2013 | Channel Dredging, Cruise Ships, Key West Channel, Key West Channel Dredging
The decision to pursue dredging the Key West Harbour Channel to accommodate larger cruise ships will be left to the voters of Key West. On May 7, 2013 the first reading of an ordinance to place a referendum on the October 1, 2013 ballot will be heard by the Key West...
