Reef Damage
(December 22,2002)
On 12/22/02 We went out to continue
monitoring the coral restoration
project. We were happy to observe that our information was being used.
There were 3 boats working near Lighthouse Ledge .We were pleased to
find the remaining surviving pillar coral was stabilized. The giant
star was not attached.
The cable damage on site 3, where there is over 1650 pounds of dredge
teeth, is the oldest of all the damage we have seen to date(Picture of
barrel sponge is enclosed.)
There are more teeth to the west on a patch reef.
Concerning the outfall boulders, has the restoration efforts been
completed? Many boulders are not in line and some have soft corals
that are not facing the sunlight. The fish and lobster population has
been decreased considerably.
By this time, you should have a good idea of how vast the damage is. We
believe it is already too late for many barrel sponges and some soft
coral to survive.
Vone Research and other organizations have volunteered to help. We have
ample insurance. People at the State level have said that we are
qualified to do this work and yet our help has been refused.