Reef Damage
(January 5)
On 01/05/03, Vone Research continued monitoring the coral restoration work. Using a map from Broward County, created by CSI, we dove on sites 14 and 18. Unfortunately, due to a navigation discrepancy we did not find the exact sites. However, we did find some unrepaired reef damage. There are hard corals still lying upside down!
The DGPS for this site is:
26'15.31.9N
080'03.49.2W
While reviewing the map, we realized that the site of the 1650 lbs of dredge teeth is not the same site that was reported on 11/12/02. Tim's report( see enclosed document) clearly states that there are 10 to 15 teeth at site 3. This is on the second reef. The 75 teeth reported by Vone are on the third reef near sites 1 and 2 . There is some repaired reef at the site of the 75 teeth. What we find confusing is this: How can a site containing over 1600 lbs of dredge teeth be overlooked or omitted from a report?
It is very hard for Vone to keep track of exactly what is happening when the information is generally going one way. We report our findings promptly and accurately and always reply to all inquiries quickly. Except for Broward County, our requests for information have been ignored! We understand that all the people involved are very busy, but so are we and our time is voluntary. The same" time" that we have offered over and over and has been refused just as often by CSI. The bottom line is this: Vone Research, along with other groups, will not stop its monitoring work on this project or any others. It is in all our interests that the reefs be repaired and protected for future generations to enjoy. With everybody working together it can happen.
Although we may walk different paths are goal is the same.
Sincerely,
Stephen Attis